Our 17 PGCE RE students have concluded their Subject Knowledge Booster Course with a visit to three places of worship in Preston.

First stop was at the Gujarat Hindu Centre, where Biku Patel spoke about the history of the Gujarati Hindu community in Preston and told students about some of the practices that take place at the centre.  There was plenty of opportunities to take pictures of the beautiful, ornate Mandir.

Only a short walk away was the Vajravarahi Kadampa Buddhist Centre where Kelsang Pagpa reminded students of some of the fundamentals of Buddhism and the distinctive nature of the New Kadampa tradition of Buddhism.  The questioning and discussion was deep and well informed.

Finally a quick drive across the city to the Madina Mosque in the Fishwick area for a quick sandwich before Zuhr prayers. Waqaus Ali then explained to the trainees the concept of Islam as a Deen – a way of life.

The trainees found the whole day, and in fact the whole fortnight,  illuminating, and an outstanding preparation for their PGCE RE course.