ST Ambrose College Year 7 pupils spent a day at the Sikh Temple in Cheetham Hill as an essential element of their education into world religions.

Boys from the Catholic grammar school in Hale Barns learned about the origins of the religion that was founded in the Punjab in the 15th Century, and how it has now become the fifth largest religion in the world, with a strong community in and around Greater Manchester.

Over 120 students were greeted by the temple priest who talked to the boys about the peaceful nature of Sikhism and how it was founded by the Guru Nanak, born a Hindu Brahmin but who rejected the caste system in the belief that all men are equal.

After the lecture, the boys shared a special vegetarian meal of a potato curry with fried flat bread especially made by members of the congregation to mark their brotherhood and sense of community.

St. Ambrose College religious education teacher, Marika Richardson, said: “It was a wonderful and truly enlightening experience for our young men who learned so much about the history, culture, customs and core beliefs of our Sikh friends and neighbours.

“There was an atmosphere of total silence and respect during the Priest's lecture as the boys listened intently to every word. This was only broken by the joy of the shared meal or Langar as it is known.”

St. Ambrose College will also visit Manchester's synagogue to learn about Judaism and every year stages a multi-faith conference for local religious leaders to talk to sixth formers about their own special beliefs and value systems.