The Trenode Primary School pupils all looked the part for their visit to Truro Cathedral.

Eighteen Trenode Primary School children, aged from seven to 10, caused a stir among visitors during their recent trip to Truro Cathedral.

The visit was organised to give the children a taste of working life in a religious building, and to help them get into character the group dressed as miniature canons, choir members and even a bishop as they processed up the nave accompanied by the full-sized director of music, Christopher Gray.

“We wanted them to get a sense of taking part in the rituals and services within the cathedral,” said school head Sarah Hawker. “Many have never visited before and were amazed by the scale of the building and its wonderful architecture.”

“The education practitioner from the cathedral was brilliant. She was really enthusiastic, which made it interesting for the children.”

Children lay on the floor

After the procession, the children were invited to sing in the choir stalls, having learned the part a church choir plays in worship. They then all lay on the floor to understand the shape of the building and the height of the arches.

From this slightly unusual vantage point, the children learnt about the shape of the building.

“I learned that the cathedral was built in the shape of a cross – we could see it when we lay on the floor near the choir stalls and looked up. It made me feel quite dizzy it was so high,” said one pupil.

“Dressing up made me feel really proud and special. It made me feel I would like to have an important job when I grow up,” said another.

Alongside Mrs Hawker, the group were accompanied by Key Stage Two teacher, Mrs Sue David, and two teaching assistants, Mrs Beverley Burrows and Mrs Sue Zaman.

“The education practitioner from the cathedral was brilliant,” said Mrs David. “She was really enthusiastic, which made it interesting for the children.”

More visits planned

Later this term, the school plans to visit St Wenna in Morval, to take part in a service at their local Church.

“Religion and Philosophy is an important part of the children’s education, and by visiting both these venues we hope they will begin to compare and contrast the two buildings, their rituals, and services,” said Mrs Hawker.