Churches are excellent creative learning spaces. They allow pupils to stretch out: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Pupils can think big and participate in collaborative project work on a large scale, than is often possible in school. For example the RE with Soul theme days work well jointly hosted by teachers and church leaders or members using the church space.
Using space within a place of worship to host re RE learning helps engage pupils cognitively and creatively. The faith community’s worship space motivates can inspire and engage young people in their creative learning, thinking and use of imagination. They can potentially more easily consider the the ways that these spaces are use by believers to express their beliefs and values.
Blair Peach Primary School, for example prioritised the use of their local church as a creative learning space throughout their RE with Soul teaching and learning. This enabled them to maximise the use of different art forms, for example drama and collaborative visual art and also involved parents and parishioners in contributing to learning and creative project work.
Pupils, staff and parents spread out in the space, and enjoyed working together, engaged with team-building exercises, and arts-based learning activities such as drama and visual art.