YOUNGSTERS from a South East Cornwall primary school definitely looked the part as they took a tour of Truro cathedral.

The 18 pupils from Trenode were able to dress as ‘mini canons’, choir members and even as a bishop as they walked up the Nave, accompanied by organist Christopher Gray.

The trip was organised in order to give the children a taste of working life in a religious building, said headteacher Sarah Hawker. 

‘We wanted the children to get a sense of taking part in the rituals and service within the Cathedral,’ she said.

‘Many had never visited before, and were amazed by the scale of the building and its wonderful architecture.’

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

One pupil said: ‘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!’

Another child said: ‘Dressing up made me feel really proud and special. It made me feel like I would like to have an important job when I grow up,’

The group was accompanied by Key Stage Two teacher, Mrs David, and two teaching assistants, Mrs Burrows and Mrs Zaman.

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

‘Religion and Philosophy is an important part of the children’s education,’ said Mrs Hawker.

‘After visiting both these venues, we hope that the children will begin to compare and contrast the two buildings, their rituals, and services.’