Interfaith Week at NULC

20.11.13

An Islamic Scholar attended college to meet four groups of Early Years students as part of the college’s celebrations to mark National Interfaith Week.

Isa converted to Islam in 2009, he lives in Middlesbrough and was born to an English father and a Greek mother. He is a graduate in Biomedical Science and is currently studying Law, as part of his pursuit for a greater understanding of his faith he performs at a variety of speaking events across Britain, meeting people of all faiths and none to explain Islam and help communities to understand his religion.   

Students had the opportunity to ask about the requirements Islam places on those who practice it and on the community as a whole.  Isa helped students to explore what following his faith meant for the practices he undertook during his day to day life.  He explored the Quran, its intent and the ways that this would impact the families students will meet as they gain employment and provide services to the community as Early Years/Childcare providers. 

Isa answered questions regarding the need for food to be Halal, women and their cultural dress and their position in the family, the right to access medicine, arranged marriages, whether he is allowed to celebrate Christmas, where cultural and religious boundaries overlap, the variety of interpretations of the Quran and the reality of what it is to be a follower of the faith in a modern British society.

If you would like further information regarding Religion & Belief at NULC contact the colleges Equality & Diversity Advisor theresa.kirkhamblair@nulc.ac.uk or the college Chaplain martin.ball@nulc.ac.uk

We'd like to thank Iftikhar Ahmed from Stoke-on-Trent City Council's Community Cohesion Team for helping us to arrange this worthwhile activity.

A trip to the Adventure Playground

All the current first year students studying the BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development walked  the short distance from the College to the Adventure Playground during one of their sessions in week commencing 20 May 2013. 

Childcare students study all aspects of childcare practice and education on this two year course and attend various placements within the local area.  Although the Adventure Playground is not a placement it offers the students an amazing insight into the provision available for local families and children with additional needs.  

During the second year of their studies this experience will support them when they focus on specific additional needs of children and the types of provision available.  This visit can provide some individuals with their first experience of how this provision is different to that which they have already seen in local schools and nurseries.

Mel Aubrey organised the trip with Hannah Dean from the Adventure Playground.

Staff at the Adventure Playground gave the students some background information on how they started the provision in 1989 and how they operate now.  The setting is based on a two-acre site and offers both indoor and outdoor facilities.  The outdoor area provides extensive opportunities for children to explore the environment with an aerial runway, an adventure trial and various fixed pieces of equipment.  Indoors the setting offers a soft play area and separate areas for creative and exploratory play.  The students were able to explore the environment and try out the equipment for themselves!

 The playground is a registered charity and relies on volunteers to help support the employed staff.  Childcare students were offered the opportunity to volunteer some time during the summer to work alongside the staff supporting the children and families who use these facilities.

To find out more about studying Childcare at NULC click here or contact the Information Point on 01782 254254 or email info@nulc.ac.uk.