Each year group begins their study of RE by focusing on a world religion as a topic of study; wherein the primary goal is to explore what it means to be a member of that culture, faith and community. The second unit is a focus on Christianity, building on a progression of learning from year to year. The final unit for each year group is a thematic unit, which examines a broader issue that is relevant to multiple faiths, in order to identify similarities and differences between different faiths. These units of study are in accordance with Redbridge’s syllabus for RE, which is referred to as the SACRE.
Religious Education Curriculum
Year 3
Week 1
Outcome
- To recall the basic Hindu lifestyle and beliefs
Revision
- Explore what happens at Diwali
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe the significance of the Aum symbol
Revision
- Rama and Sita story
Week 3
Outcome
- To explain Hindu beliefs on Brahman and how this compares to personal ideas of God
Revision
- Learn about the events of Hanukah
Week 4
Outcome
- To express what the trimurti is and understand the importance of the relationship between them
Revision
- How do Jewish people celebrate Hanukah?
Week 5
Outcome
- To investigate how different deities are represented through murtis
Revision
- Discuss how Christians prepare for Christmas
Week 6
Outcome
- To recall key stories about Krishna and Ganesh
Revision
- Explore the events of the Christmas story
Week 7
Outcome
- Essay: ‘Hindus believe in many Gods. Discuss the validity of this statement.’
Revision
- Compare our world to other worlds
Week 1
Outcome
- To explain the story of Diwali and examine how Hindus celebrate it
Revision
- Discuss the creation story
Week 2
Outcome
- To analyse the concepts of karma and dharma
Revision
- Explore different ideas about how the world began
Week 3
Trip to Neasden Temple
Week 4
Outcome
- To illustrate the features of a Mandir and how Hindus use it to worship
Revision
- Discuss how Muslims think the world began
Week 5
Outcome
- To evaluate how Hindus worship at home
Revision
- Discuss how Christians think the world began
Week 6
Outcome
- To assess my Knowledge and Understanding of Hinduism
Revision
- What would you ask the creator of the world
Week 7
Outcome
- To justify the importance of the River Ganges and Varanasi in Hindu Pilgrimage
Revision
- Revise any misconceptions from assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To recognise what is meant by the term ‘inspirational’
Revision
- Story of Jesus meets Zacchaeus
Week 2
Outcome
- To recall the words and actions of Jesus
Revision
- Story of the widows mite
Week 3
Outcome
- To evaluate the impact of Jesus’ death on Christians
Revision
- Prodigal son
Week 4
Outcome
- To identify the impact that believing in Jesus will have on a Christian life
Revision
- Wise and Foolish builders
Week 5
Outcome
- To examine the actions of contemporary inspirational Christians
Revision
- Feeding of the 500
Week 6
Outcome
- To evaluate reasons Christians regard Jesus as a source of authority
Revision
- The calming of the storm
Week 1
Outcome
- To evaluate the most important attitudes and values to a Christian
Revision
- Parable of the 2 sons
Week 2
Outcome
- Essay: Why is Jesus important to Christians
Revision
- What is Easter?
Week 3
Outcome
- To discuss what it means to be part of a Christian community
Revision
- What happened on Psalm Sunday?
Week 4
Outcome
- To argue how Christians put their beliefs into practice
Revision
- Look at the events of the last supper including the story of the arrest of Jesus
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of Christianity
Revision
- Resurrection of Jesus
Week 6
Outcome
- To evaluate the different ways Christians express their beliefs
Revision
- Revise any misconceptions from assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To consider what makes a place special and significant
Revision
- Explore who is God
Week 2
Outcome
- To examine the main features of Christian worship including prayer, communion and praise
- Muhammad and the thirsty camel
Week 3
Outcome
- To compare how different denominations practice Christian traditions
- Muhammad and the sleeping kitten
Week 4
Outcome
- To contrast the similarities and differences in worship with the Christian religion
Revision
- How do Muslims care for all of Allah’s creations (tiny ants and baby birds)
Week 5
Outcome
- To discuss worship at the Mandir and worship at home for Hindus
Revision
- What is the Qur’an
Week 6
Outcome
- To examine the practice of giving prashad
Revision
- Why is the Qur’an important to Muslims
Week 1
Outcome
- To explain the meaning of the puja tray and the arti ceremony
Revision
- What makes the Qur’an special to Muslims
Week 2
Outcome
- To compare Christian worship and Hindu worship
Revision
- Stories from the Qur’an
Week 3
Outcome
- Essay: How, where and why do different religions worship?
Revision
- Recognise the Qur’an as a guide to Muslims on how to live their lives
Week 4
Outcome
- Essay: How, where and why do different religions worship?
- To analyse the role of prayer and the synagogue for Jewish people
Revision
- Retell a story about the prophet Muhammad
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess my knowledge and understanding of Hinduism and Christianity
Revision
- How do Muslims pray?
Week 6
Outcome
- To evaluate the spiritual significance of religious pilgrimages
Revision
- Revise any misconceptions from assessment
Hinduism
Year 3 pupils begin their study of RE in Churchfields Junior School with the study of Hinduism. In contrast to KS1, pupils take part in a more thorough and detailed study of one major world religion. We begin with Hinduism as it is the prescribed starting place for all Year 3 pupils according to the SACRE. Pupils learn about the beliefs, scriptures, practices and holidays central to being a Hindu. In this way they are able to understand a culture and religious faith that is present in their classroom, community and country.
Christianity
The focus then shifts to the yearly study of Christianity, the most prevalent and official religion of the United Kingdom. The focus of the Year 3 curriculum is the study of Jesus and his importance to Christianity, as well as overall Christian beliefs and practices.
Comparing Christianity and Hinduism
The final unit of study draws upon what the pupils have learned throughout the year. To cement their learning into long-term knowledge, pupils compare Christian and Hindu worship. They investigate and consider the similarities and differences in how, where and why people of these faiths worship.
Autumn
World Religion
- What does it mean to be a Hindu?
Spring
Christianity
- Why is Jesus important to Christians?
Summer
Thematic
- Where, how and why do people worship?
Year 4
Week 1
Outcome
- To explore Jewish beliefs about God
Revision
- Discuss the importance of the trimuti
Week 2
Outcome
- To explain the significance of the Torah
Revision
- Describe the significance of the Aum symbol
Week 3
Outcome
- To discuss stories from the Torah
Revision
- Using the Puranas, recall key stories about Krishna and Ganesh
Week 4
Outcome
- To explore how Jewish people celebrate Pesach
Revision
- Recall basic Hindu lifestyle and beliefs
Week 5
Outcome
- To examine the importance of the ten commandments
Revision
- What is the significance of the River Ganges and Varanasi
Week 6
Outcome
- To explain the significance of Kosher within Judaism
Revision
- Examine Diawli and how Hindus celebrate
Week 7
Outcome
- Essay: How do the foundations of a Jewish lifestyle differ to those of other religions
Week 1
Outcome
- To assess Jewish beliefs about creation and Shabat
Revision
- Analyse Karma and dharma
Week 2
Trip to Jewish Museum
Revision
- Explore features of a Mandir
Week 3
Outcome
- To explore the significance of the synagogue
Revision
- Investigate different murtis
Week 4
Outcome
- To examine significant symbols in Judaism
Revision
- How do Hindus celebrate Raksha Bandhan and Holi
Week 5
Outcome
- To evaluate how and why Jewish people celebrate religious festival
Revision
- Evaluate how Hindus worship at home
Week 6
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of Judasim
Week 7
Outcome
- To explain the significance of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Jewish people
Revision
- Revise any misconceptions from the assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To state what values are important to me
Revision
- What is meant by the term inspirational
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe what a Humanist is
Revision
- Recall words and actions of Jesus
Week 3
Outcome
- To discuss what makes an action good or bad to a Humanist
Revision
- What impact did Jesus’ death have on Christians
Week 4
Outcome
- To discuss what makes an action good or bad to a Christian
Revision
- Who are some contemporary inspirational Christians
Week 5
Outcome
- To compare the actions of key Humanists and Christians
Revision
- Evaluate why Christians regard Jesus as a source of authority
Week 6
Outcome
- To manage values held by Humanists, Christians and myself
Revision
- What are the most important attitudes and values to a Christian
Week 1
Outcome
- To evaluate the Christian idea of being made in God’s image
Revision
- What does it mean to be a part of a Christian community
Week 2
Outcome
- Essay: Do Humanists and Christians have shared values
Week 3
Outcome
- To argue what it means to be a part of a Christian community
Revision
- How do Christians put their beliefs into practice
Week 4
Outcome
- To interpret what difference being a part of a Christian community can make to how Christians live
Revision
- In what different ways do Christians express their beliefs
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess understanding and knowledge of Christianity and Humanism
Week 6
Outcome
- To evaluate dilemmas about doing the right thing
Revision
- Revise any misconceptions from the assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To discuss the metaphor of life as a journey
Revision
- Explore significant places in our lives
Week 2
Outcome
- To examine how different religions mark the start of life
Revision
- Examine the main features of Christian worship
Week 3
Outcome
- To discuss the significance of ceremonies that mark milestones in life
Revision
- Compare how different Christian denominations celebrate
Week 4
Outcome
- To compare religious ceremonies which mark the commitment of a loving relationship
Revision
- What are the similarities and differences in worship with the Christian religion
Week 5
Outcome
- To explain how different religions view death and life after death
Revision
- Worship at the Mandir and at home for Hindus
Week 6
Outcome
- To evaluate commitments held by different religious believers
Revision
- Compare how Christians and Hindus worship
Week 1
Outcome
- To justify how religious and spiritual teachings can help believers move on in life’s journey
Revision
- Examine the practice of giving prashad
Week 2
Outcome
- Essay: How do believers from different religions show their commitments during the journey of life
Week 3
Outcome
- To conclude whether religion provides a map of life for believers
Revision
- What is the role of prayer for Jewish people
Week 4
Outcome
- To sketch different religious ‘maps of life’
Revision
- Evaluate the spiritual significance of religious pilgrimages
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of Judaism
Week 6
Outcome
- To evaluate our own ideas about community, belonging and belief
Revision
- Revise any misconceptions from the assessment
Judaism
Year 4 pupils conduct a study of a world religion on Judaism. The oldest of the Abrahamic Faiths, the detailed and thorough understanding of this faith provides pupils with a more nuanced understanding of Christianity and Islam. Pupils will explore the beliefs, scriptures, practices and holidays central to Judaism.
Christianity
Pupils continue their study of Christianity with an in-depth look into the ideals of Christian living, tying this new learning to understanding of key aspects to Judaism through spaced learning and review at the beginning of each lesson.
Comparing Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity
At the conclusion of Year 4, pupils engage in a comparison of rites of passage and displays of commitment to one’s faith present in Christianity and Judaism to continue drawing parallels between the two religions. Pupils will also review their understanding on Hinduism and make comparisons between the three religions – Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity – to cement their learning of new material.
Autumn
World Religion
- What does it mean to be Jewish?
Spring
Christianity
- What matters most to Humanists and Christians?
Summer
Thematic
- How and why do believers show their commitments during the journey of life?
Year 5
Week 1
Outcome
- To discuss what being a follower of Islam means to different people
Revision
- What are Jewish beliefs about God?
Week 2
Outcome
- To examine each of the five pillars
Revision
- Explain how Jewish people follow the Ten Commandments
Week 3
Outcome
- To evaluate the significance of the mosque and how Muslims pray
- Trip to East London mosque
Revision
- Explore the key features of the synagogue
Week 4
France residential and Harvest Festival rehearsal
Week 5
Outcome
- To discuss Muhammed and what happened on the night of power
Revision
- Assess Jewish beliefs about creation
Week 6
Outcome
- To explain the importance of the Qur’an
Revision
- Explain the significance of the Torah
Week 7
Outcome
- Essay: What are the most important aspects of the Islamic faith and how do these compare to other religions?
Week 1
Outcome
- To assess other forms of guidance for Muslims such as Hadith and Sunnah
Revision
- Examine significant symbols in Judaism
Week 2
Outcome
- To discuss Ramadan and why Muslims fast
Revision
- Examine the significance of Kosher within Judaism
Week 3
Outcome
- To analyse the significance of Eid Ul-Fitr
Revision
- Explore how Jewish people celebrate Pesach
Week 4
Outcome
- To explain what happens on The Hajj
Revision
- Argue the significance of pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Jewish people
Week 5
Outcome
- To analyse the significance of Eid Ul-Adha
Revision
- Examine how and why Jewish people celebrate religious festivals
Week 6
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of Islam
Revision
- Visit to St. Mary’s Church
Week 7
Outcome
- To compare why Islam, Christianity and Judaism are knows as ‘The Abrahamic faiths’
Revision
- To review misconceptions from the assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To discuss the Christian understanding of the Holy Trinity
Revision
- What does it mean to be made in God’s image?
Week 2
Outcome
- To describe how Christians use the bible at in church and at home
Revision
- What does it mean to be a part of a Christian community?
Week 3
Outcome
- To discuss the story arc of the bible from creation to fall to salvation and then new creation
Revision
- How does being a part of a Christian community impact one’s life?
Week 4
Outcome
- To examine parables written by and about Jesus
Revision
- Describe what a Humanist is
Week 5
Outcome
- To investigate philosophical questions around God
Revision
- Discuss what makes an action good or bad to a humanist
Week 6
Outcome
- To analyse the impact of belief in God on a person’s lifestyle
Revision
- Discuss what makes an action good or bad to a Christian
Week 1
Outcome
- To examine how Christians put their beliefs into practice
Revision
- Compare actions of Humanists and Christians
Week 2
Outcome
- Essay: What does it mean to be Christian?
Week 3
Outcome
- To evaluate how sacrifice is a key concept in Christianity
Revision
- Evaluate dilemmas about doing the right thing
Week 4
Outcome
- To compare how the last supper is remembered in different denominations
Revision
- Explore different important Christian values
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess my knowledge and understanding of Christianity
Week 6
Outcome
- To justify what it means to be a part of a Christian community
Revision
- To review misconceptions from the assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To express initial understanding of prayer
Revision
- Explain the metaphor of life s a journey
Week 2
Outcome
- To compare how Christians pray
Revision
- How do different religions mark the start of life?
Week 3
Outcome
- To compare how Muslims pray
Revision
- How do different religions mark significant milestones in life?
Week 4
Outcome
- To compare how Jewish people pray
Revision
- How do different religions mark the commitment of a loving relationship?
Week 5
Outcome
- To compare how different religions pray
Revision
- How do different religions view life after death?
Week 6
Outcome
- To explain the role of religious places of worship in prayer
Revision
- Recap commitments held by different religious believers
Week 1
Outcome
- To assess the purpose of prayer
Revision
- How can spiritual and religious teachings help believers move on in life’s journey?
Week 2
Outcome
- Essay: How do people of the Abrahamic faiths pray?
- Draw on similarities and differences between these Abrahamic faiths (Islam, Christianity, Judaism)
Week 3
Outcome
- To evaluate different commitments to prayer
Revision
- Revise beliefs about community, belonging and belief
Week 4
Outcome
- To consider ‘answered’ and ‘unanswered’ prayers
Revision
- Look at different ‘maps of life’ from religion
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess my knowledge and understanding of prayer and worship
Week 6
Outcome
- To compare attitudes of prayer to my own viewpoint
Revision
- To review misconceptions from the assessment
Islam
Pupils in Year 5 continue their learning of the Abrahamic Faiths with an in-depth exploration of Islam. Pupils will rely on previous learning made during their units on Judaism and Christianity to place Islam in a context as the continuation of Allah’s, or God’s, message to humanity. They will explore the practices, beliefs, scripture and holidays central to Islam and make comparisons of these beliefs to the other Abrahamic faiths.
Christianity
Pupils will then continue their study of Christianity with the concept of the Holy Trinity and differences in worship between different denominations. This learning will help Year 5 pupils to better understand the differences between Christianity, Islam and Judaism while their central beliefs remain rooted in similar beliefs.
Comparing Abrahamic Faiths
Pupils will then conclude their Year 5 coursework with an in-depth analysis of prayer and the role of the church, temple or mosque in the Abrahamic faiths. Pupils will make comparisons in order to in grain their learning and build on what they have studied throughout the year.
Autumn
World Religion
- What does it mean to be a Muslim?
Spring
Christianity
- What does it mean to be a Christian?
Summer
Thematic
- Why is prayer important for religious believers?
Year 6
Week 1
Outcome
- To describe the importance of Guru Nanak
Revision
- Explain Muslim beliefs about God
Week 2
Outcome
- To explain who the other nine human gurus were
Revision
- Retell the Night of Power and importance of Muhammad to Islam
Week 3
Outcome
- To list the key values of Sikhism
Revision
- Review the Five Pillars of Islam
Week 4
Outcome
- To summarise the importance of the Guru Granth Sahib
Revision
- Describe the importance of the Qur’an
Week 5
Outcome
- To explain the significance of the 5 K’s in Sikh initiation
Revision
- Summarise the events of the Hajj
Week 6
Outcome
- To describe what happens in the Amrit Ceremony and other important Sikh ceremonies
Revision
- List rites of passage in Islam
Week 7
Outcome
- Essay: How do the key practices and beliefs of Sikhism differ from those in Christianity, or Islam?
Week 1
Outcome
- To compare the roles of the Gurdwara
Revision
- Explore the key features of the mosque
Week 2
Outcome
- Trip to a Gurdwara
- To contrast Sikh celebrations
Revision
- To assess other forms of guidance for Muslims such as Hadith and Sunnah
Week 3
Outcome
- To explain how Sikhs celebrate Diwali
Revision
- Describe how Ramadan is celebrated
Week 4
Outcome
- To describe the significance of Baisakhi
Revision
- Describe the significance of Eid Ul-Adha
Week 5
Outcome
- To analyse the significance of Holi Mohalla
Revision
- Contrast the Abrahamic religions
Week 6
Outcome
- To assess our knowledge and understanding of Sikhism
Week 7
Outcome
- To explain how Sikhs celebrate Holi
Revision
- To review misconceptions from the assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To explain the Christian belief in God
Revision
- Retell the story arc of the bible from creation to resurrection
Week 2
Outcome
- To summarise Christian beliefs about life after death
Revision
- Review morals of parables about the life of Jesus
Week 3
Outcome
- To describe the significance of the Bible as a source of wisdom and authority
Revision
- Describe how Christians use the bible in the church and at home
Week 4
Outcome
- To explain the meaning and significance behind Christian rituals that mark death
Revision
- Explain what it means to be part of a Christian community
Week 5
Outcome
- To analyse the significance of the Qur’an as a source of wisdom and authority
Revision
- Describe how Muslims use the Qur’an in the mosque and at home
Week 6
Outcome
- To explain Muslim beliefs about life after death
Revision
- Explain what it means to be part of a Muslim community
Week 1
Outcome
- To describe the meaning and significance behind Muslim rituals that mark death
Revision
- Compare the role of religious leaders in Sikhism, Christianity and Islam
Week 2
Outcome
- Essay: Sikhism, Christianity and Islam all have views on life after death. How are they similar, or different?
Week 3
Outcome
- To explain Sikh views on their life cycle
Revision
- Review how the Guru Granth Sahib is used in worship by Sikhs
Week 4
Outcome
- To describe why Karma plays a big role in Sikhism
Revision
- Explain the role of the gurdwara in a Sikh community
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess knowledge and understanding of religion’s views on life after death
Week 6
Outcome
- To explain non-religious beliefs about suffering and life after death
Revision
- To review misconceptions from the assessment
Week 1
Outcome
- To analyse how religious charities make a difference
Revision
- Explain the impact of belief in God on a person’s lifestyle
Week 2
Outcome
- To explain how the ideals of Christian living come from the teachings of Jesus and Paul
Revision
- Explain how Christians put their beliefs into practice
Week 3
Outcome
- To describe how Christians put the teachings of Jesus into practice
Revision
- Summarise how sacrifice is a key concept in Christianity
Week 4
Outcome
- To summarise how Muslims put the words of the Qur’an and the prophet Muhammad into practice
Revision
- Compare how different religions pray
Week 5
SATs week
Week 6
Outcome
- To describe the connections between the teachings of Islam and Muslim charities
Revision
- Review how Muslims put Muhammad’s words into practice
Week 1
Outcome
- To analyse how Sikhs put teachings of Guru Nanak into practice
Revision
- Compare the role of places of worship in different religions
Week 2
Outcome
- To explain the connections between the teachings of Sikhism and Sikh charities
Revision
- Explain different religions’ commitments to prayer
Week 3
Rhos y Gwaliau
Week 4
Outcome
- Essay: Of the charities we have studied, which one best exemplifies the golden rule and its religion’s commitment to its community? Why?
- Explain the role of charities and the underlying religious philosophies that guide them
Week 5
Outcome
- To assess my knowledge and understanding of the Sikh teachings
Week 6
Outcome
- To compare how followers of different faiths (Christians, Sikhs, and Muslims) apply their ideals to their daily lives
Revision
- To review misconceptions from the assessment
Sikhism
Pupils end their KS2 exploration of RE with an investigation into Sikhism. As this religion has connections to Hinduism and Islam it fits nicely as the final unit of study for the focus on world religions. Pupils explore the practices, beliefs, scripture and holidays central to Sikhism. As this faith is also more nuanced in its similarities and differences from the previous religions studied, it is necessary to wait until Year 6 to compare and contrast it with the other faiths once pupils have a firm understanding of them.
Christianity
Pupils then continue their study of Christianity by exploring how religions deal with death and the afterlife by examining the resurrection of Christ and the implications of a heaven.
Comparing Sikhism, Christianity and Islam
Pupils then compare these ideas to beliefs on the afterlife in Islam and Sikhism. Pupils then conclude their learning by comparing how Sikhism, Christianity and Islam view the role of community and charitable giving as key components of their faith. This final unit serves as an endcap to their KS2 years of study as they are relying on their learning from throughout the RE curriculum to arrive at their conclusions.
Autumn
World Religion
- What does it mean to be a Sikh?
Spring
Christianity
- What do religions say to us when life gets hard?
Summer
Thematic
- Justice and poverty: Can religions help to build a fair world?