Year 3 Discover Methodist Heritage at Gwennap Pit

Rev Helen recently led our Year 3 pupils on an enlightening visit to Gwennap Pit, offering a unique opportunity to explore the origins of Methodism and stand where John Wesley preached to over 25,000 Cornish miners nearly 300 years ago.

Pupils were joined by volunteers Jenny, Tony, Sue and Pat, who, alongside Rev Helen, shared the fascinating history of the Pit and its enduring significance to the people of Cornwall. The visit brought to life this remarkable site: an outdoor amphitheatre with circular seating and distinctive preaching pillars. Children were encouraged to stand where John Wesley once stood and offer their own inspirational words of kindness and wisdom to their classmates.

This Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, complete with an adjoining chapel, is an important part of Cornish history, and especially meaningful to our school, which is rooted in Methodist values. John Wesley recognised that many working miners couldn’t attend church, so he brought his sermons to them in this powerful and accessible setting.

As part of their visit, pupils walked the circular path around the Pit, travelling one mile down and back up again, pausing in the centre for a moment of quiet reflection. Surrounded by birdsong, trees, fresh air and stillness, they took time for wellbeing and mindfulness. On the return ascent, the air rang with song as the children joyfully recited Wesley’s famous words: “Do all the good you can, for all the people you can, by all the means you can, in all the places you can, for as long as you can.”

Through this experience, pupils came to appreciate why Gwennap Pit is such a special place, a site where Cornish history, nature, and spirituality come together. It remains a sacred and welcoming space, open to people of all beliefs, offering peace and reflection to all who visit.

The group also took part in a site-wide quiz, working in teams to complete an activity book that tested their knowledge of John Wesley, Cornish miners, and the early Methodist movement. They ended the morning by creating their own scallop shells – a symbol of Methodism – each bearing an important message from John Wesley to take home as a souvenir of their day.

Throughout the trip, pupils demonstrated excellent listening, focus, and kindness, even towards other visiting schools. Our sincere thanks go to the team at Gwennap Pit and to Rev Helen for such an illuminating and memorable experience.