Summer Term:
RE lessons are taught weekly, and each Key Stage focusses on the main world view of Christianity alongside a different world view.
Summer Term 1:
Years 3 and 4:
Lower Key Stage is exploring the worldview of Buddhism and throughout their final enquiry will answer the question: What is the best way for a Buddhist to lead a good life?
The children will learn that most Buddhists believe we live many times through reincarnation. They will learn the aim of life is to finally break out of the cycle of rebirth, which is called reaching Nirvana. They will learn from the Buddha's teachings that if we do 8 things in the right way, we have a chance of achieving enlightenment. Buddhists use the Noble Eightfold Path to guide their lives.
We also focus on mindfulness and will learn that being aware of your thoughts as they arise and controlling the mind leads to living a life that limits suffering to those around you. Finally, we look at the right effort which is doing the best we can in any circumstance.
Years 5 and 6:
Upper Key Stage is exploring the worldview of Islam and, throughout their enquiry, they will answer the question: How is the Qur'an vital to Muslims today?
The children will learn that the Qur'an is the holy book for Muslims and is also believed to be the actual words of Allah spoken in Arabic, the language chosen by Allah. They will learn that many Muslims will learn Arabic, especially to understand the writings in the Qur'an in the language it was written in. They will learn the origin of the Qur'an and the story of prophet Muhammad. Children will learn the Qur'an gives information on how to live life the way Allah would want and how Muslims want to achieve paradise when they die - the Qur'an offers guidance on how to achieve this.
They will also focus on how the Qur'an is respected:
- Being put on a stand when used, so it is not over touched;
- When not used, it is wrapped in a clean cloth;
- When not being read, it should be the tallest book in the room;
- Never being placed on the floor;
- Hands are washed before it's touched;
- You must be in the right frame of mind – concentrate on Allah.
Summer Term 2:
Years 3 and 4:
Lower Key Stage is exploring the worldview of Christianity and, throughout their final enquiry, will answer the following question: Do people need to go to Church to show they are Christians?
Children will look at some of the rites (or Sacraments) that are performed in churches and investigate how and why Christians might choose to worship in a church. These include:
- Baptism.
- Holy Communion or Eucharist (taking of bread and wine in remembrance of the events of the Last Supper.
Children will also be encouraged to think about a special place and consider the feelings it invokes as what actually happened there, as a Christian may choose to pray or worship in a church because of the peace and quiet, the feeling of community or the aesthetics of the building. Children will also consider the aspects of service and commitment.
Years 5 and 6:
Upper Key Stage continues their study of Islam and throughout their final enquiry will answer the question: Does belief in Akirah (life after death) help Muslims lead good lives?
Children will look at ways in which Muslims could improve their chances of a good afterlife and consider quotes from the Qur'an and Hadith:
- Muslims can live a good life by living religiously;
- Asking Allah for forgiveness;
- Doing good deeds;
- Fasting during Ramadan;
- Giving to those in need.
Children will also look at Jihad, which is where life is a struggle they have as an individual to be the best they can be. There are two types of Jihad:
- Greater - This struggle is an inner one, against our own laziness, impatience, and arrogance.
Greater Jihad is a personal struggle – for each individual Muslim it can be a struggle to try to do the right thing. There are many times when life is challenging or frustrating. Greater Jihad is your personal attempt to live a life like Allah would want.
- Lesser - This struggle is an outer one, to establish justice on the earth and ‘to root out evil’. Children will learn that a small minority of Muslims have interpreted this as a need to use hostile methods to bring about a change, and it is not acceptable.
