Faiths in Our Community
We work to develop an understanding of the beliefs that each religion teaches and how followers are taught to live their lives. Support children to gain an understanding of special celebrations and festivals that each religion observes and explore how these are celebrated around the world. To provide opportunities for children to learn from their peers and to visit places of worship as they are both essential for developing understanding. Children across the school had an opportunity to learn about Diwali, how this festival is celebrated around the world and in the local community and why this is special for individuals and families.
How We Celebrate with Nursery
Nursery have been exploring the different celebrations within each of their families. They have started sharing and comparing what birthdays and weddings look like for the people in their lives. They have also looked closely at Diwali, friends in nursery class have shared how they celebrate Diwali at home and everyone had the opportunity to create diya lamps from clay so that they could light candles to mark the occasion both in class and at home if they wish.
Looking at Churches with Year 2
Year two have been learning about the features of a Church. The children had the opportunity to visit St Alfege’s Church to identify the features and gain an understanding of how each feature is used in a ceremony or celebration. Year two explored what happens in a Church and have identified the significance of Sundays. To complete the unit of work, year two explored what happens at a Christening and why this celebration is special for Christians.
How We Worship with Year 4
Year 4 have been learning about practices of worship. They have explored how music, prayer and art are used amongst the major world religions and they have been making comparisons and finding links between them. They have considered how these practices make believers feel closer to their God/deity. Year 4 have been exploring the significance of religious celebrations, starting with Diwali and moving on to Hannukah and Christmas.
Faiths in Our Communities with Year 6
Year six have explored faith in Greenwich and the changes that have happened over time. Children used Google maps to identify places of worship in the borough of Greenwich and explored data from the most recent census. They used this information to discuss why local leaders have collaborated to create the agreed syllabus for Greenwich. Year six also explored the Jewish celebration Bar Mitzvah and how this can change an individual's life. The children explored what happens at a Bar Mitzvah and how an individual is expected to live their life after the ceremony.
