RS

Dowdales Goes on Retreat

On Thursday 2 nd December 15 Year 10 pupils spent 2 days studying at the Kagyusamye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre in Scotland.

The visit formed part of a GCSE Religious Studies course. The students spent time attending early morning meditation sessions, toured the monastery grounds and shared meals and recreational facilities with the monks.

Mr Stewart Bates-Treloar, Head of Religious Studies, said this was not only an extremely valuable part of the course but an amazingly enriching life experience for the students.

The trip involved a whole series of contrasting images and concepts which was perhaps the most difficult aspect to cope with. All the food was vegetarian, home produced and rather bland. Sleeping accommodation was basic to say the least!

The pupils found themselves transported to an isolated world 15 miles from the nearest town, deposited in a beautifully coloured Tibetan Temple surrounded by golden Buddhist statues, sitting in ornamental ponds; prayer trees dripping with slithers of multi-coloured rags and peacocks wandering around Chinese type gardens, including a white one. Monks and nuns could be found sitting, meditating, wandering, laughing and eating. No television, no fast food; the only pastimes being conversation or meditation. In one instance some of the pupils participated in an hour long meditation were we weren’t allowed to speak, make a noise or leave!

All the pupils found the trip a unique not-to-be-forgotten experience.

Religious Studies Department.

RS Department

Many people seem to think that RS is one of them boring lessons that few people enjoy or listen in. You just think that we’ve got to put up with it but not listen but here’s the thing not every aspect of RS is boring! I know you might not believe me or even think I’m talking any sense but I have delved into the RS departments business to see if anything interesting really does go on.

Not sure whether to take RS as a GCSE subject there is a plus point you get to go to a Buddhist temple in Scotland as an insight into a different religion and culture.

The first thing that I discovered that seemed of interest to some of the pupils, who like to ask questions. Gifted and talented people who don’t feel fulfilled by a simple answer to everything. There is a philosophy club called P for C philosophy for children open to all years so anyone on the gifted and talented register is able to join. Still many pupils see RS as a time to go to sleep but surprisingly its not actually it is a guided fantasy through their mind and helps them to imagine things they thought not possible to imagine. To many people it can seem relaxing and calming. It is a method of meditation and quiet time for the class.

RS isn’t all about making us have a better life now no it’s also to do with the conservation of the future. Our school is involved with Grizedale forest. It has produced a program of studies for national resources aimed mainly at conservation and recycling.

Told you there are areas of interest, delve deeper and you’ll enjoy more.

For more information on anything about the RS department contact Mr. Bates.