Autumn term 1

Year 3 and 4

This half-term, Year 3 and 4, will be studying Sikhi and will look at the following enquiry question: Does joining the Khalsa make someone a better Sikh?  Pupils will learn that Khalsa means 'pure' and Khalsa's are Sikhs who have completed the sacred Amrit Ceremony started by Guru Gobind Singh. Pupils will learn that all Sikhs are expected to become members of the Khalsa at some point in their lives and this initiation ceremony instructs the novice:

• You shall never remove any hair from any part of thy body.
• You shall not use tobacco, alcohol or any other intoxicants.
• You shall not eat the meat of an animal slaughtered the Muslim way.
• You shall not commit adultery.

Pupils will also learn the 5K's:

• Kesh. - Uncut hair. For this reason, a turban is worn.
• Kirpan – Small sword/dagger worn only as a symbol of readiness to tackle evil and not as a weapon.
• Kara - Bangle/bracelet, a symbol to remind the wearer of restraint in their actions and to remember God at all times.
• Kangha - Wooden comb. A Khalsa is expected to regularly wash and comb their hair as a matter of hygiene and self-discipline.
• Kacchera - Shorts, a symbol of self-control and chastity.

Year 5 and 6 

This half-term, Year 5 and 6, will be studying Judaism and will look at the following enquiry question: Are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur important to Jewish children? 

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish Near Year Festival celebrated on the first and second of July when a horn is sounded. It is a day of prayer, a time to ask for help in the year ahead and a time to remember the power of God. This horn is not only a call to repentance, but to remember key events. Pupils will learn its meaning:

• Commemorating the anniversary of creation, otherwise known as the birthday of the universe.
• It has been called the day of judgement and the day of remembrance by the rabbis (Jewish teachers) over the years.

They will also learn of the celebrations, which include:

• Sending people good luck and greetings.
• Lighting candles and reciting prayers.
• Reading the Torah (particularly stories about Abraham and his son Isaac).
• Eating a festive meal which includes Challah bread.

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement which follows 10 days after Rosh Hashanah. The ten days in between are known as the High Holy Days and days of repentance. This day is in remembrance of Moses asking God to forgive the people of Israel for their sins. Pupils will learn that on this day Jews will:

• Fast all day.
• Not work.
• Visit the synagogue (place of worship).
• Spend time reflecting on their own behaviour.
• Ask God for forgiveness.