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The challenge, in a school with only four Muslim pupils,
was to show what lies beyond the media's portrayal of Muslims,
to give our pupils a more balanced and informed viewpoint.
Teenagers often have radical views about many aspects of
modern life, but their actual experience of other cultures
can be very limited.
We linked with a nearby Muslim school and organised a themed
week of activities. Exchange visits of pupils helped to
break down barriers. Pupils discovered common interests
but were also respectful of each other's religious beliefs.
Learning from other pupils made the experience more exciting
and enjoyable. Attending daily prayers and religious studies
lessons allowed pupils to find out about each other's religious
practices.
One of our aims was to reveal the links between Christianity
and Islam. A powerful school assembly, led by a teacher
from the Islamic school discussed nourishment of the
soul through religion, and got everyone thinking about
the role of religion in all our lives.
It was very important to capture the interest of pupils.
Exploring Islamic culture, scientific discovery, geography
and food added balance and helped to extend pupils' reflections
beyond pure theology.
Our exchange with Jamia-Al Karam has continued: we now
arrange sports fixtures as well as further visits between
the two schools.
After our themed week, the London bombings of July 7th
2005 took place. They provide only greater incentive for
schools to take the lead in educating pupils about Islam.
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