RS

Year 8 Resources

Rites of Passage

Having looked at the beginnings of religion from a sociological perspective, we now consider the impact of religion on the individual by studying the concept of rites of passage as milestones in a person’s life.

Pupils reflect upon their own journey of life, how and why we celebrate birth and life and evaluate what makes someone an adult. We explore the rites of Brit Milah, Bar Mitzvah, Baptism, the Sikh Amrit ceremony and funerals in Sikhism and Islam.

Pupils are assessed on Bar Mitzvah, by producing a newspaper report on the topic, including interviews with a Jewish boy.

 

Festivals

Now the pupils have looked at how a religion marks the major turning points in an individual’s life, they study how religion can bring people together as a community. Pupils reflect upon festivals in religion and how they are linked to stories, times of year and themes, giving faith members a sense of belonging. During this unit pupils examine Sikh Divali, Christian Advent and Christmas, Jewish Hanukkah and Pesach.

Pupils are assessed on Sikh Divali (To be confirmed).

 

The Life of Jesus

During this unit they evaluate the difference between the historical Jesus and the Jesus of faith. They explore the birth of Jesus, Palestine at the time, his teachings, the Last Supper, the crucifixion and the Resurrection.

Pupils are assessed on the parable of Sheep and the Goats and evaluate how it is followed in today’s society and also through a role-play on the crucifixion of Jesus, considering how those involved would have felt about it.

 

Martin Luther King

Pupils move from studying the life of Jesus to exploring the life of a famous Christian - Martin Luther King. They look at his non-violent beliefs and reflect upon the connection between his method of protest against racist segregation in the South of America and his Christian beliefs.

Pupils are assessed through a project on Martin Luther King and non-violence; his ‘I have a dream…’ speech, making links with his actions and Jesus’ teachings.

 

Places of Worship

This is a thematic unit based upon a study of religious buildings and their use and value for faith members. Pupils examine the church, gurdwara, mosque and synagogue.