Corpus Christi

This week in school we have been learning about and celebrating a range of other world faiths as part of our commitment to recognising and valuing our rich diversity. As a Catholic school, we believe in showing respect, compassion and understanding towards others. By exploring different believes and traditions we help our children to grow empathy, appreciation and a deeper awareness of the wider world, while strengthening their own faith and sense of belonging.  

In Nursey on Monday they enjoyed listening to the story Hetty’s Hannukah and they talked about the similarities and difference in celebrations they had been apart of. They loved making Happy Hannukah cards. On Tuesday the children explored Islamic prayer routines and watched a video about ‘wudu’. One of our nursery children confidently shared how her family take part in Ramadan and celebrate Eid. They brought a prayer mat, mehndi ink and a Qur’an in from home to share with us. Nursey also enjoyed learning Hinduism and Buddhism. The children made their own Rangoli patterns and took part in some mindful breathing.  

Reception class enjoyed looking at different faiths this week. The highlight of their week was when Maya brought in some special items from home, and told them all about being a follower of Islam. She showed Reception class her beautiful prayer mat; which is used every day, and some celebration clothes, such as a hijab and a sparkly dress. Maya told them about their special book, the Qur’an, which is full of stories. They also listened to a story about celebrating Eid. The children found it interesting to see mehndi patterns on people’s hands, and Maya explained that her family decorate her hands at special times of the year. 

 In Year 1, they paid particular attention to special days that are celebrated in these different religions. They learnt about Hanukkah, Eid, and Diwali. The children listened very carefully to the origins of these special days and how these special days are celebrated. The children then had lots of fun making Hanukkah cards and paper Diya lamps. Then they explored the religion Buddhism where they learnt about the Budda and how meditation is important. Year 1 had a go at doing some guided breathing in the classroom. The children were all very quiet and took part brilliantly! Throughout the week the children were very respectful about other people’s beliefs. Well done Year 1!   

Year 2 have enjoyed World Faiths Week, where they explored a range of different religions and cultures from around the world. Throughout the week, the children learned about key beliefs, traditions, and celebrations, helping to develop their understanding of diversity and respect for others. They have explored Hannukah and designed a Hannukah card, created Arabic art, made a colourful Lantern for Diwali and listened to Budda’s story of kindness. 

On Monday, Year 3 learned about the Sabbath. They reflected on how this special day was similar and different to Sunday for Christians and designed our own Shabbat tables showing our knowledge of the key features of the Shabbat meal. On Tuesday, they learned about how Muslims show their respect to the Quran. They read the Islamic story of The Crying Camel and discussed what could learn be from religious allegories. On Wednesday, Year 3 learned about Holi. They listened to the origin story of the festival and watched clips of colourful celebrations in India. Everyone admired the look of the tasty food and community spirit of the festival. On Thursday, they learned about Buddhist meditation. They talked about what it means to be enlightened, and the use of malas and mantras in prayer. They all wrote their own mantra focussing on: a positive thought to make me a better person; a thought for the world around us and a thought for others. They really enjoyed sharing our ideas. Finally on Friday Year 3 learned about the Five K’s of Sikhism. They discussed how people can respectfully show curiosity towards different beliefs and celebrated how the range of faiths in our class made us diverse and interesting. 

As part of world faith week, Year 4 have learned about Shabbat, the holy day for Jewish people and designed their own Shabbat table including the important elements of this celebration. In their study of Islam, Year 4 have learned about Ramadan and completed information posters with key facts. In their study of Hinduism, Year 4 looked at different Gods and Goddess and matched their pictures to their descriptions. For Buddhism, we discussed Vesak, why it is important and how it is similar to celebrations in other religions and for Sikhism, we looked and the 5 K’s and completed a fact sheet about what they symbolise.  

  

 Year 5 have been very busy this week for World Faith week.  On Monday they started off by looking at Judaism.  The children learnt about Synagogues, the sacred place of worship for Jewish people, and managed to label and annotate one correctly. On Tuesday Year 5 moved on to Islam and thought about the fundamental beliefs that Muslim men and women have.  Children worked in groups to draw their own versions of a Mosque.  It was great to see the teamwork the children used in this activity.  Year 5 also looked at how Hinduism differed to other religions because it is a polytheistic religion.  The children created their own fact files on various Gods/Goddesses and deities. On Thursday Year 5 had an interactive lesson where children were led in guided meditation and then reflected and created a ‘calm space’. They rounded off the week by learning about Sikhism and we explored ‘The Five K’s in depth, with children writing an information guide about what they are and the meaning behind them.  Overall, the children have had a fantastic week exploring some of the fundamental similarities and differences across the world’s six leading religions.  

This week Year 6 have taken the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. On Monday they looked closely at Judaism in particular Shabbat. On Tuesday they looked at Islam in particular at some of the symbols found inside a Mosque. We are very lucky to have Haider who was able to tell us lots about the Mosque he attends as well as being able to help us pronounce the names of some of the symbols and ceremonies. On Wednesday Year 6 looked at Hinduism where they spent time exploring the different deities that Hindu’s worship. On Thursday they looked closely at Buddhism and the eight fold path which are the principles of Buddhism. Finally, on Friday they looked at Sikhism and focused on the 5 k’s which are symbols all Sikh’s wear/display to symbolise their faith each of which are a reminder of their faith. 

Overall others faiths week has certainly had a positive impact on the children and deepened their understanding and respect for people of different faith while helping them recognise both similarities and differences in beliefs, traditions and ways of worship.