Religious Education (RE) at Cotsford
At Cotsford Primary school we follow County Durham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. The children study a range of religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and the core religion of Christianity.
Please click the link for Religious Education National Curriculum Information
Autumn 2
In Early Years the children have explored Diwali and how people celebrate this festival of light. They have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Rama and Sita and using the characters in the small world area to create their world.
As EYFS have moved through the term, they have learnt the true story of Christmas. The children have completed actions for the story and used figures in the ‘desert’ sand tray to recreate the story and authentic set up. Wow, what fun they’ve had!
Year 1 have looked at ‘Why gifts are given at Christmas’. They discussed their own experiences of both giving and receiving presents and have found out about the birth of Jesus. The children talked about the gifts he received from the three wise men and about gifts we could give to baby Jesus if he was born now. The children also thought about presents that cannot be seen like kindness, friendship and love and the significance of these invisible presents.
The children in Year 2 were inspired by St Cuthbert. They enjoyed researching his life, stories and how he spread the word of God. They looked closely at the shrine dedicated to him at Durham Cathedral and the statues at Holy Island. Year 2’s best topic was Christmas! Their focus was on the light at Christmas time. They talked about how they feel in the dark and how this differs in the light. The children discussed the main parts of the Christmas Story where light is used. The children had fun making a Christingle!
In Year 3/4, the children have been looking at Advent. They have looked at why Advent is important to Christians and also what traditions and rituals it involves. The children have also had the chance to reflect on how they prepare for Christmas and have made their own Advent Calendar.
During the topic ‘Why Christian’s believe Jesus is the light of the world’, Year 4 have discussed the good (the light) and the bad (the darkness) of the world today. The children discussed current topics in the news and thought about messages they would like to give to the world to solve some of these problems and bring ‘the light’. They were also very excited to talk about the lead up to Christmas, advent and the symbolisation of the advent wreath.
Year 4 also took part in an online workshop about Diwali. They listened to a presentation and were able to ask questions.
Year 5 have been looking at the importance of the Wise Men and their gifts. Many different cultures give gifts and they linked this idea with their development as kind people. They have looked at the symbolism of the gifts and even thought about what gifts we would give people and why. They have also thought about how important the free gifts are, such as love, respect and kindness.
In Year 6, the children have studied ‘The Gospels’. They have learned that 4 versions, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John look at things in a similar way, yet we can identify the differences between them. They have also developed an understanding of how people interpret things in many ways.
Autumn 1
In EYFS this term the children have been exploring people in their own families and people who are important to them. They have been discussing how we are all unique and special!
The children in Year 2 have loved exploring the different children’s Bibles this half term. They have enjoyed listening to a range of stories from Noah’s Ark to the Creation Story. They have discussed the importance of the Bible to Christians and how it is used and looked after in church. The children explored the Christian belief of God being the Father and the Creator. From this they looked at the festival of Harvest and why Christians are thankful to God.
In Year 3, the children have been learning about Hinduism. They have looked at the Hindu gods and goddesses. They have talked about worshipping and beliefs. The children have also listened to the Hindu story Rama and Sita and discussed the morals behind the story. You can listen to the story here, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRpNNF4fB4g
Year 4 have been looking at the question, ‘What do we know about the Bible and why is it important to Christians?’ They listened to a range of Bible stories and thought about how Christians use the Bible to worship and live their life. You can enjoy Year 4’s favourite Bible story too. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSfm2xdKau4
Year 5 have been looking at Judaism. They started by finding out about important symbols, items and what happens in a Synagogue. The children found it fascinating to link their learning to our rights and how we respect, and tolerate, the beliefs of others and different religions. They found out about the significance of Moses to Jewish people and about the 10 commandments. The children had a brilliant time taking part in drama activities to help them understand Moses’s life.
Year 6 have studied the religion of Islam. They have developed an understanding of their beliefs and how and why they pray. The children have used drama to act out the five main pillars of Islam and know that these beliefs are the strongholds of the religion. They know that there are many religions around the world and that everyone has the right to their own beliefs. Year 6 also understand that they have the responsibility to respect each other’s views.
