At Greenfield, we take pride in celebrating the rich diversity within our school community. This month, we have been learning about and celebrating Diwali, the vibrant festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists.
Our classrooms have been alive with the buzz of creativity as children designed intricate, colourful rangoli patterns, crafted clay diya lamps and singing Diwali songs. The children explored the Hindu story of Rama and Sita and discovered the story of the sixth Sikh guru, Guru Hargobind, and his release from wrongful imprisonment.
These activities have not only been engaging but have also provided a meaningful way for our pupils to understand the significance of Diwali to all who celebrate it.
Diwali is a time for celebrating new beginnings, the triumph of light over darkness and the importance of family and community. For children at Greenfield, learning about this festival goes far beyond art and storytelling—it’s a chance to deepen their understanding of the values and traditions that others hold dear.
Why is this important?
In our increasingly interconnected world, understanding and respecting other cultures and beliefs is vital. By learning about festivals like Diwali, children are not only expanding their knowledge but also developing empathy and respect for others. These are life skills that go beyond the classroom, helping to shape compassionate and open-minded
individuals.
At Greenfield, we believe that inclusivity is at the heart of a strong community. By celebrating a range of festivals from different religions and cultures, we foster a sense of belonging for everyone, regardless of their background. Even if a festival doesn’t align with our personal beliefs, coming together to learn and celebrate is a powerful way to make everyone feel seen and valued.
For example, during our Diwali celebrations, some children decided to adapt the beautiful rangoli patterns they had designed in class into cards to gift to their friends who were celebrating. This thoughtful gesture was heart-warming to see and helped create meaningful connections between the children, regardless of faith.
Additionally, other children shared photos and videos of their Diwali celebrations at home with their peers during class, proudly explaining what the festival meant to them. This sparked a wave of curiosity, with classmates eagerly
asking questions and engaging in discussions to learn more about their friends’ beliefs and traditions.
At Greenfield, we are committed to preparing our pupils for the diverse world they are growing up in. Celebrating festivals from different cultures is just one way we are working to instil the values of respect, inclusion, and curiosity in every child. Together, we are building a community where everyone feels valued—and that is something worth celebrating.
Written by Mr Ben Upcott, Subject Lead: Religious Education