AN initiative to give pupils a better understanding of Islam has been hailed as a success.

An Islamic Diversity Week has been held at Hurworth School, near Darlington, to address misconceptions and stereotypes.

The week of activities was arranged after a “Healthy Lifestyle Survey” among youngsters in the Darlington area in January identified gaps in understanding about Islam’s faith and culture.

Representatives from the Islamic Diversity Centre (IDC) in Newcastle came into the school to stage presentations, workshops and question and answer sessions.

Natalie Douglass, Hurworth’s head of personal development, said: “The survey highlighted some misconceptions about Islam that had been picked up by the children from the media, so we decided this would be a good way of tackling stereotypes.”

During the week, pupils studied the core beliefs of Islam, how Muslims live in Britain, Islamophobia, and the true meaning of “Jihad”.

Mrs Douglass said: “Concerns based on misconceptions were raised and reassuring answers given to help give the pupils a better understanding about how Islam is a peaceful religion and culture.

“Young people are bombarded with stereotypes through social media and mainstream media and this was a really valuable exercise in establishing a better understanding.”

Year 9 pupil Bethany Hayward said: “The Islam Diversity Centre staff listened to our questions and understood why we had misunderstandings about Islam. They wanted to help us understand Islam better.”

Mariam Khan, of the IDC, said: “We’re really pleased to be invited into Hurworth School to deliver a workshop that allows us to explain Islam to them, and to give the students a chance to ask questions. We want to challenge stereotypes they might have, and to correct any misconceptions, by presenting authentic Islam.”