RE is delivered in accordance with The Norfolk Agreed Syllabus 2019, the 1988 Education Reform Act and the subsequent DES Professional Paper ‘Religious Education and Collective Worship’ Circular 1/94.
EYFS and Key Stage 1 RE
RE is delivered in accordance with The Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education in Norfolk – 2019, the 1988 Education Reform Act and the subsequent DES Professional Paper ‘Religious Education and Collective Worship’ Circular 1/94.
RE is taught as a multi-disciplinary subject and is planned so that pupils can see religion and worldviews through different lenses. Each block of work is planned with an Enquiry question which is approached through one of these three academic lenses.
- (Thinking through believing). It is about asking questions that believers would ask. It requires pupils to think like theologians, or to look at concepts through a theological lens. Pupils explore questions and answers that arise from inside religions and worldviews.
- (Thinking through thinking). It is about asking questions that thinkers would ask. It requires pupils to think like philosophers, or to look at concepts through a philosophical lens. Pupils will explore questions and answers raised through considering the nature of knowledge, existence and morality.
- Human/Social Sciences (Thinking through living). It is about asking questions that people who study lived reality or phenomena would ask. It requires pupils to think like human and social scientists, or to look at concepts through a human/social science lens. Pupils will explore questions and answers raised in relation to the impact of religions and worldviews on people and their lives.
Pupils take part in an in-depth investigation of Christianity and one other principal world religion (Judaism) during their time at the Infant School and have time to reflect on other worldviews and faiths.
RE teaching and learning enhances the children’s spiritual, moral cultural and social development by developing their ability to reflect on and respond to their own and others’ experiences in the light of their learning about religion. RE links well to our Golden Rules, PATHS and British Values teaching, and impacts on all areas of school life where children are encouraged to develop an understanding of, and tolerance and respect for the views and practices of other people.
Autumn 2 – RE Reception
This term we have looked at the story ‘A Good Shepherd’ from the bible. We found out that the bible is a book that is special to Christians. We learned that one day a shepherd counted his sheep to find that one was missing. Instead of forgetting about his sheep he looked everywhere for it until he found it. We talked about how this shows that all of the sheep were special to the shepherd. We then thought about how we were like the sheep and that we are all important.
“He called out to the sheep” – Matilda
“He was sad and he will miss the sheep” – Greyson
“It is kind to talk to others” – Darcy
We then learned about Diwali, the Hindu festival of light, and took part in a workshop with Miss Helen. We found out about the story of Rama and Sita and enjoyed retelling the story together, dressed in traditional clothing, danced to some music and made our own diva lamps out of clay.
We have also looked at the bible again to read ‘The first Christmas’. We discovered that Christians believe that Jesus was born on the first Christmas and that this story is sometimes called The Nativity. We have enjoyed recreating the story and pretending to be all of the different characters we have learned about.
Autumn 2 – RE Year 1
This half term, the children have discussed how a celebration can bring a community together. We thought about celebrations throughout the year and the upcoming celebration of Christmas. The children shared what Christmas meant to them and the traditions that happen in their household. We discussed how families can celebrate in different ways and took this opportunity to research how countries around the world celebrate Christmas and spoke about how some religions don’t celebrate Christmas. The children retold the Christmas story too. We also learnt about the Jewish celebration of Hannukah and the story behind the celebration and how Jewish people celebrate Hannukah. We brought our community together by inviting parents in to listen to Christmas songs and poems that we learnt to perform.
Autumn 2 – RE Year 2
RE Year 2 2023
In Autumn 1, Year 2 were thinking about the symbol of light. They thought about why light is used, and why it is important to Christians, Jews and Hindus. The children looked at the Christingle, and learnt about the significance of each part and what they represent. The children also learnt about Diwali and the story of Rama and Sita.
In Autumn 2, the children explored the Christmas story and the significance of the nativity for Christians. They designed their own stained glass windows, made a stop animations based around the nativity and they also wrote a prayer.
Autumn 2 – Ian Gardner assembly
Ian visited us to talk about the parable of The Good Shepherd. He talked about how different the sheep that he had brought in looked, and asked the children ‘did that matter?’ The children said no! When one of the sheep were lost, it didn’t matter that it was the little one. We would always treat everybody the same and it didn’t matter what they looked like or how they may be different.
RE Summer Term 2023
Reception
This term we have been looking at the continents of the world and learnt about many of the animals that live there. In RE we have listened to the story of ‘A special promise’ from the Bible and talked about how Noah was able to save the animals from a flood because God had instructed him to make a boat. We also linked this to our SAW activities and experimented with how much salt we needed to make something float, just like Noah’s boat did.
Year 1
This term in RE, the children thought about how the universe was created. They learned about Christian and Hindu views and beliefs and used this to think about their own views on the universe. The children made pictures to show the different days in the Christian creation story and then made lotus flowers to represent the lotus in the Hindu creation story. The children took time to think about what the universe is made up of and looked carefully at the nature around them to appreciate the beauty of the world.
Year 2
This term, the children have recapped their previous RE learning by retrieving facts and ideas from their previous enquiry questions. They have also looked at a variety of religions as part of a philosophy focus, listening to videos from Ian Gardner and Marsha Parker about why people have different ideas of God. The children thought about morals, and if different scenarios were right or wrong, and thought about how they could be nice to each other in different ways. The children wrote notes to each other about what they liked about them, and why they were a nice person. They ended their RE learning this year by drawing their own Rangoli patterns on the playground!
14.6.23 – Ian Gardner Assembly
Ian Gardner came in to speak to the children about the theme of teamwork in their assembly this week.
He started by teaching the children some sign language “Jesus says love one another”. The children enjoyed learning the signs for each of these words, Erin in Year 2 said “I thought it was really interesting to learn some of the sign language”.
Ian then asked two children to help him. They were to start a competition to see who could get their medal (on the opposite of the room to one another) the quickest. The children had to hold either end of a stick and pull to get their stick. They found this really tricky, and in the end neither where able to get their reward!
Ian then came up with a solution, if they worked together, and took it turns to collect their medal they could both win their prize!
19th April 2023 – Marsha and Todd visit to Year 2
The children enjoyed their visit from Marsha and Todd this half term. When the children arrived into the classroom, a Passover table, set ready for the Jewish celebration, greeted them. Marsha and Todd gave each child a kippar, which they wore throughout the session. The children were able to retrieve from their RE learning about the story of Passover, and Marsha and Todd were very impressed with their accurate knowledge. Marsha and Todd went through the story of Passover again and told the children the relevance of each of the parts of the Seder plate. The children were then able to try a traditional Passover Seder plate, trying Matzah bread, grape juice, parsley with salt water and more. Harley said “the bread is flat because the Jews had to leave the city quickly, the dough wasn’t able to rise”. Kendra said “I really enjoyed trying the Matzah”.
RE Spring term 2023
Reception
In Reception this term we have enjoyed reading ‘A Kind Stranger’, a bible story about the importance of showing kindness to those around us. We thought about why it is important to make good choices and be kind to others. The children discussed how we can be kind in school and linked this to our school’s Golden rules.
As it got closer to the Easter holidays we read another bible story called ‘The Happy Day’. This story taught us how Christian people believe that Jesus rose from his tomb after three days and how joyful his friends and disciples were. We learnt that this is why many people celebrate Easter and that our chocolate Easter eggs symbolise new life.
Year 1
This term in RE, Marsha and Todd visited the children and told them all about the celebration of Purim. The children were able to make masks for a Purim party and retold the Story of Esther using finger puppets. The children also made Hamuntaschen biscuits and learned some Purim songs. They were able to link this celebration to when they learnt about the Jewish celebration of Hannukah in December.
In the later part of the term, the children also learnt about the Christian celebration of Easter and learned the Easter Story.
Year 2
This term the children have been learning about how we may belong to a faith family. Clare from Norwich Cathedral visited us for a day to talk to us about the Cathedral and how christenings are important when belonging to a faith family. The children acted out, and made their own Christening scene.
The children have also learnt about Passover and how it is celebrated. They thought about the celebrations they take part in, and the objects that are important to them. They then created their own Seder plate.
6.3.2023 Janet Marshall Assembly
Janet Marshall came in to speak to the children about lent in their assembly. She was accompanied by her naughty assistant Patch, and the children really enjoyed his sneaky appearance.
Janet had two helpers to show what happens on Ash Wednesday, whereby burnt palm leave ashes are drawn into a cross on people’s heads in church. Isaac said that it was “very interesting and exciting”.
Janet also showed some different objects that are important to Christians over lent. For example a book of prayers, the bible, Easter eggs and sweets; both of which they are not allowed to eat during the 40 days of lent.
25.1.2023 Janet Marshall Assembly
Janet Marshall came in to speak to the children about the importance of friendship in their assembly. She told the story of Little Beaver and the Echo and the children enjoyed listening to and watching her re-enactment of the familiar story. She talked about the importance of looking for, and finding friends, and how important it is to be kind to others. Janet also brought along her cheeky toy dog in the hat and his new-found frog friend which the children enjoyed.
17.1.23 Ian Gardner assembly
Ian Gardner came in to speak to the children about friendship. He told the story of The Good Samaritan and some children helped Ian to act out the story. He talked about how it is important to be kind always, to everyone. We continue to reiterate this in our PATHs lessons and assemblies, and being kind is one of our Golden Rules too.
RE Autumn term 2022
Reception
In RE this term, the children in Reception have been learning about the celebration of Diwali; the Hindu Festival of Light.
They have designed their own Mehndi’s, rangoli patterns and made Diva lamps from clay.
The children took part in a dance workshop with Miss Helen; she taught them some dance moves and some children helped to retell the story of Diwali. They learnt all about Rama and Sita, Ravana the ten headed demon and Hanuman the Monkey King!
Year 1
In RE this term, the children have been exploring religion using their senses. They looked at important symbols, music and foods from the Christian, Jewish and Hindu faiths.
In Autumn 2 the children discussed important celebrations that bring our communities together. The children shared their own personal experiences such as decorating their house, spending time with loved ones and visiting special places. The children learnt about the celebrations of Christmas and Hanukkah.
They could confidently retell the Christmas story and we were amazed at the facts they could recall about Hanukkah at the end of the session.
The children created Christmas cards as a gift for their families and played with the dreidels as they would if they celebrated Hanukkah.
Year 2
This term, the children in Year 2 have been thinking about the symbol of light. They thought about why light is used, and why it is important to Christians, Jews and Hindus. The children looked at the Christingle, and learnt about the significance of each part. The children were able to look at different artefacts from the religions too.
The children used the outline of their hand and some decorations to create their own Menorah.
Also this term, the children have looked at the importance of the Nativity Story. They made their own stained glass windows, and created a stop animation to retell the Nativity Story.
13.9.22 Ian Gardner assembly – Harvest & Remembering the Queen
Ian Gardner from the Baptist Church paid us another exciting visit to talk to KS1 about harvest time and how the people of his faith celebrate. Ian showed the children four different types of soil, one with stones, one that was very thinly spread, one that was covered in thorns and one that was well cared for. With the help of some of the children, Ian explained how the seeds would grow and develop on the different soils. He related this to the teachings of God and his faith. The children loved acting out the different seeds and deciding how well they would grow. To close the assembly, Ian took a moment to remember Queen Elizabeth and spoke to the children about how important the Queen’s faith had been to her throughout her life. He explained how the Queen would always smile when she met new people and how that made people feel. He also spoke about how she dedicated her life to helping her country.
RE Summer Term 2022
Reception
This term we have been looking at the continents of the world and learnt about many of the animals that live there. In RE we have listened to the story of ‘A special promise’ from the Bible and talked about how Noah was able to save the animals from a flood because God had instructed him to make a boat. We also linked this to our SAW activities and experimented with how much salt we needed to make something float, just like Noah’s boat did.
Year 1
This term the children had been exploring how Christians belong to their faith family. The children were able to recall their prior learning in RE, and remembered some facts they already knew about Christianity, for example where they worship and what their holy book is called.
The children learnt all about Christian celebrations that take place in a Church, and sought to understand how these celebrations made them belong to their faith family. We looked at Baptisms, and some children spoke about their own, or their siblings baptisms’.
The children then learnt about weddings, and they even participated in their own wedding in the classroom, with a bride, groom, bridesmaids, page-boys and vicars! They really enjoyed this and making their own aisle in the classroom!
Year 2
This term, the children have recapped their previous RE learning by retrieving facts and ideas from their previous enquiry questions. They have also looked at a variety of religions as part of a philosophy focus, listening to videos from Ian Gardner and Marsha Parker about why people have different ideas of God. The children thought about morals, and if different scenarios were right or wrong, and thought about how they could be nice to each other in different ways. They ended their RE learning this year by drawing their own Rangoli patterns on the playground!
5.5.22 – Ian Gardner assembly
Ian Gardner came into school to speak to the children about being confident. He told a story about Jesus believing that we are all beautiful and special, and we can be confident I knowing that we are all unique but special in our own way. At the end of the assembly, the children sang a song about Jesus loving us and knowing how special we are!
RE Spring Term 2022
Reception
In Reception this term we have been thinking about kindness. We enjoyed reading ‘A kind stranger’ and thought about why it is important to make good choices and be kind to others. The children discussed how we can be kind in school and decided that these link to our school’s Golden rules.
Year 1
This term, Marsha and Todd visited the children and told them all about the celebration of Purim. The children were able to make masks for a Purim party and retold the Story of Esther using finger puppets. The children also made Hamuntaschen biscuits and learned some Purim songs.
Year 2
This term the children have been learning about how we may belong to a faith family. We invited Clare from Norwich Cathedral to enhance our learning. The children learnt about christenings, and who plays an important role in belonging to a faith family. The children wrote their own thankful prayers, which we are going to share with Norwich Cathedral too!
Lent Assembly with Janet Marshall – March 2022
Janet Marshall came in to talk to the children about Shrove Tuesday, eating all of the fatty foods in your house before giving up something for Lent, and Ash Wednesday when Christians burn all of the palms from the crosses from Palm Sunday.
RE Spring term 2022 – Year 1 and Year 2 Assembly
As part of our assembly theme of Friendship, we invited Reverend Anne from the Methodist Church in to talk to the Year 1 and Year 2 children. She told the story of The Good Samaritan and talked to the children about being a kind friend. She also talked about how important it is to be nice to others, even if you do not know them or they are different to you. The children really enjoyed this assembly, and could give many reasons as to how to be a good friend.
RE Autumn term 2021
Autumn term
Reception
The Reception children have been learning about the celebration of Diwali; the Hindu Festival of Light. They have designed their own Mehndis, rangoli patterns and Diva lamps. They took part in a dance workshop with Miss Helen; she taught them some dance moves and they listened to the story of Diwali. The children learnt all about Rama and Sita, Ravana the ten headed demon and Hanuman the Monkey King! They all enjoyed wearing Bindis, saris and sashes whilst dancing. They have looked at Diwali information books, read stories and watched videos to find out about the celebration too.
Year 1
This term, the year 1 children focused their learning on Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism. The children linked their RE learning to their senses which was what they had learnt about as part of their science topic during the autumn term.
The children used their sense of smell to learn about incense. They learnt about how the use of incense is a religious ritual for many includes Christian, Jewish and Hindu people.
To use their sense of hearing, the children listened to and learnt to sing some Jewish and Christian songs; they also listened to Hindu meditation music. The children also enjoyed tasting some different foods associated with different religions; a lot of children’s favourite was the Jewish Bagel.
For their sense of touch, the children felt some different religious artefacts and tried to guess what they were, linking to what they had previously learnt about. They also used their eyes to then see these different artefacts and compare them to what they thought they could be. The children had the opportunity to make and decorate, using their own patterns and colours, their own Christian cross.
The children also learnt about Puja, a worship ritual performed by Hindus that involves the use of their 5 senses. The children thought about and discussed what they would have on their own Puja tray involving all of their senses.
Year 2
This term, the children in Year 2 have been thinking about why light is an important symbol for Christians, Jews and Hindus. The children talked about some of the different light sources and why they are important, and looked at the significance of Christingle. They made their own Christingle thinking carefully about what each part of it signifies.
The children learnt about the celebration of Hannukah and made their own dreidel. They were really excited to learn some of the Hebrew alphabet. Lastly, the children looked at the story of Rama and Sita and thought about why light was important in this story. They designed their own Rangoli patterns which were beautiful!
RE Summer Term 2021
Reception
This term in Reception the children have been exploring ‘The Lion StoryTeller Bible’. Everyone enjoyed looking at the beautiful illustrations in this Bible, and have listened to several of the Christian stories. A favourite was ‘A Special Promise’ that tells the story of Noah, his ark and an exciting rainbow. The children really enjoyed talking about the different stories and retelling them with their friends.
Year 1
This term in Year One, the children have been looking at a variety of different religious stories. We have retold the story of The Good Samaritan and made sure to order it correctly. We then looked at the story of Passover and Moses and the children were able to make puppets to re-enact the story. We also listened to the story of Rama and Sita and the children found out about the Diwali Festival.
Year 2
In Year 2, the children have been learning about Islam. They looked at pictures of mosques and prayer rituals. They talked about who is part of their own community, and wrote their own rules that they thought would make the world a better place.
The children have also looked at a variety if religions as part of a philosophy focus, listening to videos from Ian Gardner and Marsha Parker about why people have different ideas of God. The children thought about morals, and if different scenarios were right or wrong, and sorted similarities and differences between religions. They ended their RE learning this year by drawing their own Rangoli patterns on the playground!
Key Stage 2 RE
In Key Stage 2 pupils explore Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism in years 3 and 4. In addition,Year 5 and 6 pupils also study these faiths plus Sikhism and Humanism. In accordance with the new RE curriculum, each year group has key concepts and key questions to explore. These are achieved through a multi-disciplinary approach combining philosophy, theology and human and social sciences. Pupils learn about these concepts and develop their knowledge and skills, through asking questions, enquiring into and investigating the main beliefs of the religions, how these beliefs affect those who follow them and how they relate to each other, as well as studying how different communities celebrate their faiths.
Our RE teaching is focused on learning about and from religion, by helping pupils to develop a positive attitude towards other people, respecting their right to hold beliefs and values different from their own, and towards living in a society of diverse religions and beliefs. In Key Stage 2 we encourage our pupils to explore and discuss challenging questions, e.g. how do people express commitment to a religion? What do Muslims believe about God? Why is there suffering?
RE teaching and learning enhances the children’s spiritual, moral cultural and social development by developing their ability to reflect on and respond to their own and others’ experiences in the light of their learning about and from religion. RE links well to our Golden Rules, PATHS and British Values teaching, and impacts on all areas of school life where children are encouraged to develop an understanding of, and tolerance and respect for the views and practices of other people.
Spring RE 2024
Year 3
In RE, Year 3 have been learning about Islam and what Muslims believe about God. This has been a very interesting and detailed unit in which the children have discussed who the Islamic god Allah is, how Muslims show their dedication and belief to Him, and why prayer is an important part of their religion (see the pictures of the children trying out the Islamic position for praying). It has been excellent to see the children enquiring about the similarities and differences between Islam and religions they have previously learned about, such as Christianity and Hinduism. Please find details of our previous March visit from Janet Marshall, in which she discussed many aspects of Islam and developed the children’s interest in exploring a new faith, under our Year 3 tab.
Year 4
This term in Year 4, the children have been learning about what a sacrifice is. This children have learnt about a variety of sacrifices such as giving up time and money in order to help someone else. All children were able to identify what different sacrifices have in common which helped them to answer our big question.
The children particularly enjoyed their role play activity where they decided how they would sacrifice their money to give it to organisations that need it most. All children were able to explain why they thought their organisation needed the money and how they would spend it to help others.
Year 5
In RE, Year 5 have been focusing on our enquiry question of ‘What does the Resurrection mean to Christians?’ They have been looking at what happens on Good Friday and Easter Sunday and have been making comparisons between the different Gospels.
On Thursday 21st March, Reverent Laura delivered a workshop to each Year 5 class. The children started off by looking at a photograph of Jesus’ tomb, whereby the children discussed the photo, which depicts the Resurrection. The children commented how bright the picture was.
Reverent Laura asked the children why Good Friday had that name – the children thought it was because it was the end of the week! She explained that the day got its name because Christians believe that God loves us and is willing to die for us. The children discussed the meaning of names and Reverent Laura informed us that Jesus’ name means he saves. The children were very curious as to what their name meant and used the tablets to find the answer!
The last part of the workshop involved discussing the 5 meanings of Easter Eggs. The children were really fascinated that Easter Eggs are hollow, which illustrates the tomb being empty! Overall, the children discovered that the Resurrection is so important to Christians because it demonstrates a new life, a promise and a gift.
Year 6
RE Spring Term 2024
In this half term, Year 6 considered the big question; Creation and Science – conflicting or complementary?
We began the unit by looking at some of the natural and manmade wonders of the world before recapping our learning from year 3 on the creation story in Judaism and Christianity, and how it may conflict or complement scientific theories of the beginning of the world; this also went alongside their science topic of evolution. The children wrote some lovely poems about different aspects of creation.
We had some fantastic discussions about how people interpret their religious texts and leads to differing viewpoints, even within the same religion.
RE in Autumn 2
Year 3
Following last half-term’s learning on Christianity, the children have been introduced to Hinduism and have enjoyed exploring how the religion compares to others. The children have learned where and when Hindus pray, and the many fascinating representations of the Hindu god Brahman. The children have then accurately compiled all of their learning to answer this half-term’s Big Question, ‘How do Hindus make sense of the world?’
Year 4
In Year 4, we have been working towards answering our big question “Where do religious beliefs come from?” The children have been focusing on Judaism and have enjoyed investigating different religious artefacts such as a Kippah and the Torah. They have been researching different Jewish festivals and why they are important. The children enjoyed discussing which Jewish festival they would like to take part in.
Year 5
In Year 5, we have been answering our big enquiry question “How do people express their faith through the arts?” We learnt about how religious messages are expressed through art and then produced their own religious icon. The children wrote a prayer to go with their religious icon. In addition to this, children listened to four music tracks from the Christian, Muslim and Jewish community. They were all able to evaluate the music and discussed how it made them feel and how it made them want to respond.
Year 6
This term year 6 combined our RE and history topics to answer the Big Question of “How does faith in God help people during times of suffering?” We learnt about the Jewish faith and how Jews suffered during the Holocaust in World War 2. We studied some passages from the Old Testament which promise God’s strength and presence during times of trouble. The children looked at the experiences of Anne Frank and Simon Winston during the war and how they each responded differently according to their faith in God.
In autumn 2 we have been learning about the Islamic faith in order to answer the Big Question of “What are the sources of authority for Muslims?”. We have been particularly thinking about the Qu’ran and teachings of the prophet Mohammed (PBUH). We learnt about how the Qu’ran should be treated and looked other sayings from the Hadith. The children thought about what they could mean and how Muslims can apply the teachings to their daily lives.
RE throughout Autumn…
Year 3
Our theological focus this half term has been the Christianity and the Creation story. We have thought about what it teaches Christians and how it shapes their values. We have also compared the Christian Creation story to the Jewish Creation story in our learning.
Year 4
This term in RE we have been answering our big question “What difference does being a Muslim make to daily life?”. The children have explored the concept of the 5 pillars of Islam and the Islamic festivals, Eid and Ramadan.
We have learnt about the diversity within the religion and the children enjoyed watching videos about how different Islamic countries have a variety of traditions.
Year 5
During autumn 1, Year 5 have studied Humanism and their beliefs. They have carefully considered what a Humanist is. In addition to this, they have understood that Humanism believe in three main things: science, logic and reason. After, the children answered our ethical enquiry question of ‘Is life a journey and do Humanists believe it ever ends?’.
Year 6
This half term we have combined our RE with our history to look at the treatment of Jews during World War 2 and the Holocaust. Our question was: How can belief in God help people in times of trouble?
We started off by reminding ourselves of the main beliefs of Judaism and its history. We then learnt about the treatment of Jews by the Nazis and some of the words of comfort and encouragement that are found in the Old Testament of the Bible. After this we learnt about the attitude of Anne Frank and how her faith in God helped her to keep strong while she was in hiding. Finally, we wrote a response to our question, referring to our lessons, and added how we find strength when we are going through hard times.
RE Spring Term 2023
Spring term:
Year 3:
In year 3 our big question for this term is’ How do people express commitment to a religion in different ways?’
We have been exploring lots of different religions and their ways of worship. We even had the opportunity to learn more about the Jewish religion when Marsha and Todd came to visit us from Norwich synagogue.
Here is some of the work we have produced this term –
Year 4:
In Year 4 our big question for this term is, ‘Is being happy the greatest purpose in life?’
We have had some fantastic discussions based on this philosophical question. We have even looked into how people from other religions faiths may answer this question.
After looking at all of possibilities we then discussed what we felt our own purpose in life was.
Year 5:
In Year 5 our big question this term is ‘What can we learn from the Great philosophers?’
We have been particularly discussing what is meant by the truth. We had some fantastic class discussions around telling the truth and whether it is ever okay to not tell the truth.
Year 6:
In Year 6 our big question this term has been centred on Creation and Science – conflicting or complementary?
We have been discussing the differing points of views of those who follow a religion and those who follow science.
The children have had some super discussions and where able to evidence reasons supporting both side of the argument.
Spring Term 2019
This term we have had several visitors to lead our collective worship, including two members of the Salvation Army, who spoke about the work that the Salvation Army do to prevent human trafficking, linking to our theme of serving others. Rev Betty Trinder from Toftwood Methodist Church also came and led 2 very lively assemblies.
Year 3 found out how members of the Jewish, Christian and Sikh religions demonstrate their faith and the practices they do to express it. In the 2nd half of the term they re-enacted the Last Supper of Jesus and his disciples as part of their learning about the meaning of salvation.
Year 4 learnt about Islam, especially focussing on how Muslims talk about God.
Year 5 have learnt about the meaning of the gospels in Christianity and salvation in the Christian scriptures, and used drama as a means of exploring these themes.
In year 6 the children learnt about the Jewish/Christian story of creation and how it may conflict or compliment scientific theories of the beginning of the world; this also went alongside their science topic of evolution. The children wrote some lovely poems about different aspects of creation. Here is one of them:
The Paradise of Nature!
I see the wildlife, entangling itself around the trunks of the unsuspecting trees.
I notice the winding yellow path, swaying side to side in the breeze of the wind.
I hear the flowing water oozing down, looking like it comes straight out of the air, and the birds tweeting, enjoying their day, both being as peaceful as can be.
I want to say, I want to shout out, how calm I feel in this magical paradise.
I smell the salty tang of the air, as the water draws nearer, as it lashes out, splashing my face in its somehow, almost holy water.
I imagine how peaceful this palace of nature must feel when humans aren’t around, such as what the animals do, when it is so peaceful and quiet here.
I feel peaceful and relaxed, as though protective spirits hang in the air, and though not visible, bringing happiness to all living creatures.
It reminds me of the warm, quite summer’s days, because I feel as though nothing can harm me here.
I taste the sweet embrace of undiscovered, exotic Aloe Vera, as the leaves sway in the wind.
This place is like the door to heaven, with its animals, and the amazing calm you feel when you stroll through the gates.
I wonder how this wonderland was created, because I feel as though it was made thousands of years ago, by an amazing wizard, such as Merlin.
This palace makes me think of the afterlife, and what you see when you move onto a better life.
And so now I stand here, wondering if I shall ever visit that Paradise of Nature again…
Autumn Term 2018
We had several visitors this term in our assemblies, including a charity which collected sugar for the homeless in Norwich. They explained how just a spoonful of sugar in a cup of tea can help boost the energy levels of people who have to live on the streets. The children collected a huge amount of sugar during their appeal which they were very grateful for. Thank you.
This term the children have learnt about a variety of faiths and beliefs across the school.
Year 3 have been learning about the Christian account of creation and asking what Christians can learn from this. They also have also been investigating the importance that Sikhs place on sharing food together and the sense of belonging that this practise helps to build within the Sikh community.
In year 4 the children learnt about the religion of Hinduism and thinking about the question: Is life a journey and does it ever end? This was also linked to PSHE and thinking about how people live in other countries, and their values and customs. In Christianity, the children discussed the concept of the Holy Trinity leading up to the Christmas story.
Year 5 were considering the question “Can one person change the world?” They learnt about people such as Ghandi and Nelson Mandela and the changes that they made because of their beliefs.
During a role play activity this half term, here are some comments from the children in Year 5:
“We thought of some questions to ask Mary and Joseph to question them about the birth of their son, Jesus.
“We questioned them on whether they thought their son was the Messiah.”
“Some of us took turns to answer questions in role as Mary and Joseph.”
“Finally, we reflected on the believed that Jesus was the Saviour in relation to Christianity.”
Later in the term the children started to think about the concept of Incarnation and Jesus being the Messiah.
Year 6 spent much of the term learning about Moses as part of the theme People of God. They learnt about his role in freeing the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and used the story to consider if following God can help to bring about freedom and justice. They learnt about the work of various Christian aid organisations and linked this to their Geography theme of fair trade.