A Look at Beliefs

All children have had the opportunity to expand their vocabulary and develop their understanding of what happens at religious celebrations. All year groups have developed their understanding of the significance of religious celebrations and how celebrations may vary across different communities. Each unit of learning has encouraged learners to reflect on their own experiences of celebrating festivals and celebrations and to make links between their own experiences and the experiences of others.

Lanterns and New Years - Reception

The children in reception have continued to learn about different celebrations and compare them to celebrations that are special to them. This term, they learnt about Lunar New Year and how it is celebrated. The children made lanterns and dragons, just like the ones used in Lunar New Year parades.

The Five Pillars of Islam - Year 1

Year one have been studying the five pillars of Islam in preparation for their visit to the Mosque later in the term. The children named the five pillars and identified the significance of each pillar. They learnt about the daily life of a Muslim and explored what happens during Ramadan and Eid. Year one completed a quiz to recap all of their learning on Islam. The children also learnt about what happens during an Islamic naming ceremonies.

Judaism and the Torah - Year 3

The children in year three have been learning about Judaism. They began by studying what Sukkot is and how it is celebrated at home and in the synagogue. Year three then explored and retold significant stories from the Torah including 40 years in the desert. They located Israel on a map and began to understand its significance to Jews. Year three also looked at Purim and found out how this is celebrated by Jewish families.

Buddhism and the Noble Truths - Year 5

Year five have been studying Buddhism this term and as part of this learning they had the opportunity to visit the London Buddhist Centre in Bethnal Green. The children shared their knowledge about the Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. They developed their understanding of the Buddhist faith even further by learning about the ways that a person following the Buddhist faith lives their life. Children also created a report describing a Buddhist place of worship and shared this with their class.