Religious Education (RE)

“We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race.” Kofi Annan.

What is RE?

Religious Education explores celebrations, worship and how people live their lives from many different communities.

RE at Cockton Hill Junior School:

Teaching and activities develop knowledge and understanding of religion through exploration of the beliefs and practices of a range of world faiths represented in Great Britain. We aim to develop children’s knowledge and understanding of religious and non-religious views, as well as develop the skills of critical thinking and personal reflection. Through this, we promote awareness, respect and sensitivity for the cultures and traditions of other people.

Here you will find our RE curriculum overview as well as unit overviews. These show the key knowledge and skills for each unit as well as some questions you can ask your child at home. Enrichment opportunities show how our curriculum is further enhanced.

Parents/carers can choose to withdraw their children from any/all RE lessons. Please contact us if you wish to discuss this.

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Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Our curriculum in action

Year 3 - What can we learn about Christian worship and beliefs by visiting churches?

In this unit of work, Year 3 pupils had the opportunity to ask and respond to questions whilst visiting a local Christian place of worship (Bishop Auckland Methodist Church). Throughout this visit, pupils found out different features of a church and learn their purpose. They learnt about the significance of using colour during special events in the Christian calendar and what this means to Christians and their beliefs.

Year 3 - How and why is Advent important to Christians?

In this unit of work, Year 3 pupils have been recalling the Christmas Story and know that celebrating the birth of the son of God at Christmas is important to Christians. In the events leading up to Christmas Day, children have learnt that this time is called preparation and the name of this preparation time is Advent. They have considered the importance of Advent as both a Christian and a non-religious person; making links between their own feelings, beliefs and values connected to Christmas and how other people celebrate this event. Children enjoyed making their own Christingle whilst making strong links to Advent.

Year 4 - What do we know about the Bible and why is it important to Christians?

In this unit of work, Year 4 pupils had the opportunity to ask and respond to questions which are raised through learning about Christian beliefs in scripture (Bible). They learnt that the Bible is the sacred book for Christians in their everyday lives, explored the different sections and why they are important, understood the significance of parables (stories told by Jesus) and why they are still used today to inspire and support the beliefs of Christians.

Year 4 - Why do Christians call Jesus the light of the world?

In this unit of work, Year 4 pupils learnt that light represents hope and that darkness represents feelings of being lonely and lost. They know that Christians call Jesus ‘The Light of the World’ and understand that light is used during Advent to represent Jesus. Pupils understand the significance of light to Christians during Advent and know why candles are used to represent this. Children made an advent wreath and know the meaning of the 5 candles represented.

Year 5 - Why is Moses important to Jewish people?

In this unit of work, Year 5 pupils had the opportunity to ask and respond to questions which are raised through learning about Judaism and why Moses was so important to the Jewish people. They explored the meaning of the Ten Commandments and how some of these rules linked to our own school values. Pupils learnt the importance of Jewish events such as Passover and Shabbat, how Jewish people celebrated as a family and the significance of these celebrations.

Year 5 - What message do Christians share at Christmas?

In this unit of work, Year 5 pupils learnt that a tradition is a special activity that is repeated over time with family and friends. They understand that Christmas traditions are celebrated by Christians and non-Christians. At Christmas time, Christians spread love and kindness to others and children can name different ways in which this is shown to loved ones. Pupils understand the significance of a kind message expressed to others at Christmas time and how they can support others by showing this love and kindness. They demonstrated this in their visit to the local care home to share messages with residents and sing for them.

Year 6 - What can we learn about religious diversity in our area?

In this unit of work, Year 6 pupils had the opportunity to ask and respond to questions which are raised through learning about religious diversity in our local community and what diversity means in the wider world. Pupils also explored what prejudice means and how this affects people in the local community, whilst linking this to respecting diversity for religious beliefs. They were introduced to a census of Bishop Auckland and what religions are represented.

Year 6 - What do the gospel stories tell us about the birth of Jesus?

In this unit of work, Year 6 pupils explored what ‘interpretation’ means and how this can differ from other people. They understand that Christmas is an important time for Christians because it celebrates the birth of Jesus and that this is represented by two different gospels – Luke and Matthew. Children know that even though the two gospel stories tell us different things about the events of the first Christmas, this story is still extremely special to Christians. They had the opportunity to discuss, give their views and reasons to think about the question, “Are the Christmas stories true?”