Oak Class 2024-2025

Religious Education

Term 6: Judaism 

Our Big Question is 'How important is it for Jewish people to do what God asks them to do?'. Our theme this term is Passover.

We began by discussing who we listen to and why.

I listen to my mummy because she is kind.

I listen to Miss James because she is caring. 

We have then discussed the origins of Passover by exploring the bible story of Exodus. We thought about how the Israelites must have felt when crossing the Red Sea. 

Term 5: Islam

Big Question: How important is the prophet Muhammad to Muslims?

This term in RE, our big question is: How important is the Prophet Muhammad to Muslims? To explore this, children will take part in thoughtful discussions, storytelling, and creative activities that help them learn all about special people — both in their own lives and in the Islamic faith.

We begin by thinking about what makes someone special or important. Children will talk about their own role models and the qualities they admire, like kindness, honesty, and fairness. Then, we’ll dive into the life of the Prophet Muhammad, learning why he was chosen as a prophet and why he is such an important figure for Muslims around the world.

Through the use of stories, sayings, and key moments from Muhammad’s life, children will explore how his teachings continue to guide Muslims today. They’ll also reflect on their own values and consider what makes someone a good role model. The unit ends with children deciding which parts of Muhammad’s life they feel are most important, and sharing their own thoughts and reflections.

It’s a brilliant way to connect faith, philosophy, and personal reflection – helping children grow in understanding, empathy, and respect for others.

 

 

 

Pupil Voice:

 

Term 4: Christianity

Big Question: Is it Possible to Be Kind all the Time?

Is it possible to be kind all the time? This is our big question in school, and it encourages us to think about kindness in our daily lives. Through discussions, stories, and reflection, we explore what kindness means and how we can show it, even when things feel difficult. We learn that while no one is perfect, we can always try our best to be kind with our words and actions. Our school values help us remember that small acts of kindness can make a big difference to others.

In our lessons, we will explore the question, "Is it possible to be kind all the time?" through stories from the Bible and real-life situations. We will learn from the Good Samaritan, who showed kindness to a stranger in need, and the tax collector, who found forgiveness through kindness and humility. The story of Jesus and Peter will teach us about kindness, even when people make mistakes. We will also think about how we can show kindness, even when it feels difficult. Through these lessons, we will reflect on how our choices can make the world a kinder place.

 

In RE, children took part in a role-play activity which helped them understand the story of Peter denying Jesus. Each child picked a character card—Jesus, Peter, or a bystander. They then asked each other questions like, “What did you see happen to Jesus?” or “What did Peter say?” This activity helped the children to think about how the characters might have felt and what the story means.

Pupil Voice

Term 3: What is Humanism?

This term we are learning about Humanists and what they may beleive. We will discuss the Golden Rule, basic beliefs and the use of the Happy Human symbol. 

Big Question: What Do Humanists Believe?

In our Religious Education lessons, we explore the beliefs and values of different worldviews. This term, we are learning about Humanism, a non-religious worldview that focuses on human welfare, reason, and ethics.

Our lessons will introduce:

• The Golden Rule: A principle shared by many worldviews, encouraging us to treat others as we wish to be treated.
• Basic Beliefs: Understanding how Humanists emphasise kindness, critical thinking, and living a fulfilling life based on empathy and science.
• The Happy Human Symbol: The internationally recognised emblem of Humanism, representing joy, equality, and the importance of humanity.

Through discussions and activities, our children have developed a deeper understanding of Humanist values and how they contribute to a diverse and inclusive society.

Term 2: What is the good news Jesus brings? 

To launch our new project, Oak Class took part in a drama activity to explore the role of a tax collector. They role played as the people of Israel, Roman Soldiers, and the tax collector. 

Questions for discussion included:

•How did it feel?

•How did the people of Israel feel about Romans and about tax collectors? Why?

•Is it fair?

•Who would you be friends with?

We then introduced the Big Frieze panel for the concept of Gospel and discussed the different features we could see. 

The Isrealites

Uh oh! Roman Soldiers! 

The Greedy Tax Collector!

Term 1: What do Christians Believe God is Like?

Our focus this term is Christianity and the key concept 'God'. Our Big Question is 'What do Christians believe God is like?'. 

We launched the project by exploring the parable of 'The Lost Son'. He thought about how the father in the parable is a metaphor for God, and his son is the Christian people as God loves everyone. 

We have discussed important people in our lives, and how important they are to us. We have then thought about how important God must be to Christian people.

How do Christians show love to God? 

Pupil voice:

'Christians pray to God and light candles'

'They visit the church.'

'Christian's take care of the world because God created it and they want to look after it for him.'

We compared this parable with the story of 'Jonah and the Whale'. We thought about what God was like in this story and how this compared with 'The Lost Son'. We thought God was forgiving, but could also be upset when people didn't listen to him. Applying this to our own lives, this story showed how you have to be sorry to get forgiveness from people you love, like how Jonah said sorry to God and listened to him. This made God forgive Jonah. 

Pupil voice 

'The lost son is a parable which is a type of story that Jesus told. God is kind and forgiving. In Jonah and the whale, God is mad. He made a storm. Jonah said sorry in 3 days and God forgave him.' John

'Jonah was swallowed by a whale because God was angry. He let him out only when he said sorry. God forgave him. God is helpful and kind.' Tiago

'We learnt a parable. It's a story by Jesus. The dad is like God. He's forgiving and nice. In Jonah and the Whale, God is nice and forgiving when Jonah said sorry. At the start, Jonah ran away so God was angry so he made a storm.' Harrison

Collective Worship

Spring

This term's Christian Value is Forgiveness

1 John 1.9: But if we confess our sins to God, he can always be trusted to forgive us and take our sins away.

Mark 11.25: If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.

What have we learnt?

In our collective worship activities in Term 3, we have explored faith and reflection in creative ways. The children made beautiful stained glass-style crosses, symbolising light and hope. We also learned about "teaspoon prayers" (TSP—Thank you, Sorry, Please) to help guide our thoughts in prayer. Another activity, "Turning Over a New Leaf," encouraged us to reflect on fresh starts and positive changes. These activities help us grow in forgiveness, kindness, gratitude, and understanding.

Pupil Voice: 

 

"I liked making the stained glass crosses because they look so colourful in the light!" – Casi

"Teaspoon prayers help me remember to say thank you and be kind." – Pippa

"Turning over a new leaf means we can have a fresh start and try again." – John

"I liked thinking about what I’m thankful for in our prayers." – Augustin

"Collective worship makes me feel calm and happy inside." – Josie

Autumn 

Our Christian value this term is Thankfulness. 

Luke 22.19: Jesus broke bread and gave thanks. 

1 Chronicles 29.12: All things come from you and of your own do we give you.

We have been learning about the meaning of thankfulness and the different things we are thankful for.

We wrote a prayer to God to say thank you for all the wonderful people in our lives that help us. 

We have thought about creation, and our wonderful world. We thought about what we are most thankful for.

Pupil Voice

'I am thankful for the birds tweeting'

'I am thankful for the rain making the flowers grow tall'