A journey through history, faith and civilisation in Rome
Religious studies and classics students brought their studies to life during a memorable five-day trip to Rome, reports Miss JACKSON
RELIGIOUS studies and classics students swapped the classroom for the streets of Rome during an action-packed five-day visit in the summer.
The trip was designed to link closely with their A-level studies and bring the history, beliefs and ideas they encounter in the classroom to life. Our sixth formers were joined by a number of Year 11 students celebrating the end of their GCSEs, many of whom were looking ahead to beginning their religious studies A-level in September.
Following on from some breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps on our journey over, our first afternoon introduced students to some of Rome’s most famous sights, including the Trevi Fountain. It was a wonderful welcome to a city where the ancient, Christian and modern worlds exist side by side.
Tuesday took us back to Ancient Rome as we explored the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. For our classicists in particular, this was an opportunity to step into the world they study and see first-hand the scale and legacy of Roman civilisation, from public entertainment and political power to the everyday life of the ancient city. Later, we visited the Great Synagogue of Rome and Jewish Museum, learning more about the long and often challenging history of Rome’s Jewish community.
Wednesday focused particularly on the development and history of Christianity. Students travelled underground into the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, walked part of the ancient Appian Way and visited the small Church of Domine Quo Vadis. According to Christian tradition, it was here that St Peter, fleeing persecution in Rome, encountered the risen Jesus. When Peter asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” “Lord, where are you going?” Christ’s response inspired Peter to turn back towards Rome and ultimately face martyrdom.
We then continued to the magnificent Basilica of St John Lateran, the cathedral church of the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) and one of the most significant churches in Roman Catholicism! Nearby, students also visited the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), traditionally believed to be the steps climbed by Jesus before his trial under Pontius Pilate and later brought to Rome. Today, pilgrims continue to ascend the steps on their knees in prayer. Our students were able to witness this tradition first-hand, with some observing the pilgrims as they made their ascent, while others chose to participate themselves, offering a memorable opportunity to experience a living expression of Christian faith and pilgrimage.
These visits had particular relevance for our religious studies students, who study the central tenets of Christian faith and go on to explore and question many of these beliefs through their study of the philosophy of religion. Encountering sites associated with Jesus, the early Church, martyrdom, pilgrimage and religious experience offered an opportunity to see how beliefs studied in the classroom have been expressed, preserved and practised for centuries.
Thursday brought one of the highlights of the trip: Vatican City. Students explored the Vatican Museums, saw Michelangelo’s extraordinary ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and entered St Peter’s Basilica, before returning to the heart of Rome to visit the ancient Pantheon.
Throughout our visits, we were also fortunate to be accompanied by some wonderful and knowledgeable tour guides, who helped bring Rome’s extraordinary history to life and gave students an even greater insight into many of the sites we explored. All of this was completed in intense Roman heat and amongst incredibly busy summer crowds! Students coped brilliantly, making sure they remained well hydrated and protected from the sun as we made our way across the city. Despite the heat, crowds and many miles walked, their enthusiasm and good humour remained impressive throughout.
Alongside the academic visits, there was still time to enjoy Rome itself: Italian food, photographs, souvenir shopping, and the challenge of navigating public transport and completing our Rome Bingo.
We returned to Ripon on the Friday exhausted, but with plenty of stories, photographs, and memories from a fantastic five days in the Eternal City.
We hope that seeing these remarkable sites for themselves has strengthened their knowledge and understanding, inspired their curiosity and given our Year 11 students an exciting taste of what awaits them as they begin their A-level studies.
A huge thank you must go to Mr Cornish, who planned and organised the trip, with Miss Jackson leading the visit whilst in Rome. Our thanks also go to Mr Bruce and Mrs Priestley, whose invaluable assistance, support and good humour throughout the five days helped make the trip such a successful and memorable experience for our students.
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
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