Grade 3 Students Explore Local Places of Worship

by Rebecca Gillen

On Friday 19th September, Grades 3E and 3D had a wonderful opportunity to deepen their understanding of world religions by visiting three important places of worship in Manila. This trip not only gave our students hands-on learning about different faiths, but also encouraged them to practice being curious, open-minded, and respectful of other religions and cultures.

Fo Guang Shan Mabuhay Temple

At the Buddhist temple, our students learned about the teachings of Buddha and the importance of peace and mindfulness. They were given a lotus flower candle, symbolising purity and hope, and took part in the tradition of choosing a paper wish from Buddha’s advice box. These experiences encouraged reflection on kindness, good choices, and empathy towards others.

Beit Yaacov Synagogue

At the synagogue, pupils discovered the beauty of Jewish worship. They listened to Hebrew prayers read aloud and heard the sound of the shofar horn, which is blown during special services. The children were amazed to see the Torah scrolls, kept safely in the Ark, and learned how central these are to Jewish faith and community. The visit encouraged our students to appreciate traditions that might be different from their own.

Mary Immaculate Parish Church

At the Catholic church, we explored how Christians gather to celebrate their faith. They saw how bread becomes a symbol of God’s presence, reminding Catholics of the Last Supper. The church leaders also explained how prayer and music come together in Christian worship.

This field trip gave the 3rd-graders an unforgettable chance to see how different faiths express their beliefs through rituals, symbols, and sacred places. Upon returning to school, and during online learning, we further explored Islam, Hinduism and Sikhism. The best thing about this trip was that it reminded us all of the importance of being respectful and compassionate towards people of all religions and cultures. Our students returned to school with thoughtful questions, new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation of the world around them.