Title of unit

Vocabulary

Key outcome

Substantive knowledge

Explore 1

Explore 2

Explore 3

EYFS

Why is the word ‘God’ so important  to Christians?

VIP, treasure, God, harvest, celebration,

Christians believe God is a VIP.

Explore the creation story.

Explore harvest at church.

Explore God’s name being precious to Christians.

Why do Christians perform nativity plays at Christmas?

Nativity, crib, costume,

Christians believe that Jesus was a very special baby.

Explore the nativity story.

Explore Christmas at church.

Explore the giving of presents at Christmas.

How can we help others when they need it?

Hero, prayer, cathedral, Lent

Christians believe we should help others just like Jesus did.

Explore the Good Samaritan Bible story.

Explore how Christians pray.

Explore what Christians do during Lent.

Why do Christians put a cross in an Easter garden?

Cross, symbol, Easter, Palm Sunday, vicar,

Christians believe Jesus died on a cross but that he came back to life.

Explore the Easter story.

Explore what happens at church at Easter.

Explore Easter gardens.

What makes every single person unique and precious?

Precious, special, unique, thanksgiving

Christians believe all humans were created by God and are loved by him.

Explore what happens in the story of Jesus welcoming the children.

Explore a thanksgiving service for a baby.

Explore the Golden Rule.

How can we care for our wonderful world?

Caretaker, service, environment

Christians believe God created the world and it is our job to look after it.

Explore the Bible story of Adam naming the animals.

Explore a Sunday church service.

Explore how a Christan looks after their environment.

Year 1

Why is belonging to God and the church family important to Christians?

Baptism, Christening, Christian.

Christians believe baptism welcomes a person into God’s family.  

Recall a church song that makes everyone feel welcome.

Remember some of the events which happen at a baby’s baptism.

Recall some of the ways  Christians help each other.

Why is learning to do good deeds so important to Jewish people?

Jewish, Mitzvah, Tikkun Olan, Tzadakah box

Jewish people believe God’s mitzvot are ways to help mend the world and make it better.

Know that Jewish stories contain examples of Good deeds.

Know that Jewish people welcome babies into their community.

Know that Jewish people care for their world.

How does a Hindu celebrate devotion to a deity at the festival of Holi?  

Deity, Hindu, Holi, Vishnu, Prahlad, Krishna, Shrine

Holi is an important festival where many Hindus show their love for God.

Retell the story of Radha and Krishna.

Describe how Holi is celebrated such as throwing colours

Know Hindus worship at a shrine.

What are the best symbols of Jesus’ death & resurrection at Easter?

Resurrection, Good Friday, Good Sunday, celebration

Christians believe that Jesus is alive today.

Retell the Easter story.

Recognise things a Christian is doing at an Easter service at church.

Understand Easter eggs as a symbol for remembering Jesus

Why do Jewish families say so many prayers and blessings?

Sukkah, Shabbat, Kippah, synagogue, Tallit, Havdalah, ceremony

Jewish people give thanks to God and learn about the importance of rest through listening to the creation story.

Say at the end of the creation story God rested.

Know that Jewish families have a day of rest every week.

Describe what some Jewish people wear when they pray.

Why do Christians pray to God and worship him?

Prayer, Lord’s Prayer, worship

Christians pray to and worship God because they believe he is great.

Recall that Jesus taught people how to pray in a special prayer called The Lord’s Prayer.

Know Christians worship God by singing.

Know Christians pray together at church.

Year 2

Why do Jewish families talk about repentance at New Year?

Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah, Shofar

Saying sorry is important to Jewish people. God wants people to learn from their mistakes.

Retell the story of Jonah and begin to talk about its possible meanings.

Describe that for Jewish people new year is about saying sorry and making changes.

Describe what happens in a synagogue at Yom Kippur.

Why was Jesus given the name ‘saviour’?

Advent, annunciation

Christians believe Jesus came to earth to help and save others.

Recognise that the meaning of Jesus’ name was Saviour and retell parts of the Easter story.

Remember the importance of advent.

Know Christians like to help others e.g. Helping the homeless

How do some Muslims show Allah is compassionate and merciful?

Allah, Muslim, prophet, Islam, Qur’an, Muhammad

Because Muslims believe Allah is a God of compassion they show compassion to others.

Tell a story about Muhammad and say what it teaches a Muslim about compassion.

Use the words ‘fasting’ and ‘sharing’ to talk about what Muslims do during Ramadan.

Recall how Muslims prepare for and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.

Why do Christians trust Jesus and follow him?

Trust, creed

Christians follow Jesus by trying to copy how he lived.

Explore the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus.

Know people follow Jesus because of the stories told about him in the Bible.

Explore why a Christian follows Jesus by asking suitable questions.

Why is the Torah such a joy for the Jewish community?

Simchat Torah, Bimah, synagogue, mezuzah, Moses, Holy Ark, Hebrew

The Torah is a special and important book for Jews. They believe it was given to them by God.

Know that the Torah is the most important book for Jewish people given by God.  

Know the Torah contains rules.

Remember that a mezuzah contains important words for Jewish people (the Shema)

What did Jesus teach about God in his parables?

Parable, Bible,

Parables are special stories which teach what God is like. That he is loving and forgiving.

Remember the parable of the Lost sheep and begin to explain what it means to Christians.

Recall some of the ways parables are shared e.g. stained glass windows

Recall how parables are passed on to others.

Year 3

How do Christians show that reconciliation with God and others is important?

Parable, reconciliation, Desmond Tutu

Christians believe God wants them to be peacemakers based on the example of Jesus.

Tell the story of the prodigal son and explain what is means to a Christian.

Explain the role of confession for some Christians around the world.

Understanding the Christan call to be a peacemaker e.g. Desmond Tutu.

How does a Muslim show their submission and obedience to Allah?

Bismallah, Salat, Adhan, Muezzin, mu’adhin

Muslims submit to Allah because of his greatness. He is to be obeyed at all times.

Describe what a Muslim might learn from the story of Bilal and the first call to prayer.

Knowing how Muslims get ready to pray.

Understand how saying the Bismillah reminds Muslims that Allah is involved in everything.

Why do Hindus want to collect good karma?

Karma, moksha, samsara, reincarnation, soul

Hindus take responsibility for gathering good karma and living the right way.

Describe what Hindus might learn from one of the stories of the Panchatantra about living the right way.

Explain that Hindus are encouraged to perform acts of selfless kindness.  

Describe what happens at the  Upanayana or ‘Sacred Thread Ceremony’.

What do Christians mean when they talk about the Kingdom of God?

The Lord’s Prayer, parable

Christians believe Jesus is their King and want to follow his way of life.

Explain that Jesus is the King of God’s Kingdom and describe what this Kingdom might look like.

Describe what The Lord’s Prayer teaches about the Kingdom of God.

Describe why charity work is important to Christians as a way of growing God’s kingdom.

Why do Humanists use the golden rule as a basis for morality?

Morality, morals, humanist, reason, empathy, conscience

Humanists believe morality does not come from God, We all have to decide what is right and wrong based on reason, empathy and consequences.

Explain how a humanist uses stories to help us to think about how to treat others and develop empathy.

Describe what humanists mean when they talk about ‘good without God.’

Describe how humanist thinking and the golden rule impacts education at a humanist school.

How does the teaching of the gurus move Sikhs from dark to light?

Guru, Guru Nanak, Guru Granth Sahib, Waheguru

Sikhs believe the divine light of God is passed from one Guru to the next.

Describe what Sikhs might learn from the story of Nanak’s disappearance in the river

Describe how and why Sikhs show the Granth the respect due to a living guru and how this is like or different from how other holy books are treated.

Understand how a Sikh will listen to the true Guru through chanting and meditating.

Year 4

How does believing Jesus is their saviour inspire Christians to save and serve others?

William Booth, Salvation Army, sin

Christians believe Jesus is the saviour of the world who rescues us from sin.

Use a Bible to find chapter and verse where Jesus helps, saves or heals.

Give examples of different worship songs and what they celebrate about God and Jesus as Saviour of the world.

Explore the Salvation Army

Why do Muslims call Muhammad the ‘seal of the prophets’?

Prophet, shahadah, mosque, seal, calligraphy, Arabic, divine

Muslims believe Muhammad is the messenger of God and the last prophet.  

Explain what Muslims believe about Muhammad as the messenger of God and the last prophet and recall something about his life.

Describe some different ways Muslims show / do not show their beliefs about Muhammad in art, calligraphy or design.

Describe ways some Muslims celebrate Muhammad’s birthday.

How does the story of Rama and Sita inspire Hindus to follow their dharma?

Dharma, Raksha Bandhan, murti, Diwali, divas

Hindus celebrate Rama and Sita’s commitment to duty.

Describe what a Hindu might learn from the story of Rama and Sita.

Describe some things Hindus do to celebrate Rama and Sita’s commitment to duty  and describe how Hindus celebrate Diwali.

Describe what happens at a Hindu wedding.

What symbols and stories help Jewish people remember their covenant with God?

Exodus, Passover, Sedar, Shavuot, Omer

Jewish people believe they have a covenant with God.

Understand the Exodus story

Describe some different customs and practices Jewish people have as part of their Pesach (Passover) celebrations

Explain what happens at Shavuot.

Why do Christians believe they are people on a mission?

Great Commission, Pentecost, Marks of Mission

Jesus gave all Christians the task of spreading his message around the world. The Holy Spirit gives strength for this work.

Explain what the Great commission is and how the Holy Spirit strengthens Christians.

Describe how Pentecost is celebrated and acknowledged in church.

Recall the 5 marks of mission of the Anglican church.

How do Sikhs put their beliefs about equality into practice?

Sikh, Kaur, langar, Patka, Gurdwara

Sikhs believe everyone is equal because God is present in everyone.

Describe what Sikhs might learn about God or how to live from the story of Guru Amar Das and the Emperor.

Describe some similar things Sikhs do when they come to the gurdwara for worship and those which demonstrate equality.

Explain and describe the practice of the langar.

Year 5

Why is the gospel such good news for Christians?

Lectern, Herod, authority, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Gospel, account, pulpit

The gospel is good news for Christians because it contains the teachings and stories of Jesus.

Articulate teachings from the Gospels and explain how these are good news for Christians.

Describe and compare what may happen in a church when the Gospels are read.

Explore how Jesus’ teaching affect Christians in their daily lives and why the words hold authority for them.

What does the Qur’an reveal about Allah and his guidance?

Revelation, Hira, Gabirel, recite, Hafiz, Madrassah

For Muslims, the greatest revelation has comes from Allah to the Prophet Muhammad and is recorded in the Qur’an.

Retell the story of how the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad.

Describe why only some Muslims seek to become Hafiz and how the study affects both their lives and the lives of others.

Explain how Muslims express the idea of revelation as a rope reaching down to earth, suggesting what the image means.

What spiritual pathways to Moksha are written about in Hindu scriptures?

Krishna, yoga, moksha, Bhakti, Gita, Janmashtami

Hindus believe in different pathways to become united with God.

Understand that some Hindus read from the Gita every day for guidance, comfort and advice.

Express the importance role of devotion or those who follow the Bhakti pathway.

Give examples of how Hindus express beliefs and feelings about Krishna.

What is holiness for Jewish people: a place, a time, an object or something else?

Ner Tamid, shabbat, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah

Within Judaism, Holiness is a synonym for God himself. He is set apart and different from.

Explain what the burning bush story in Exodus teaches about holiness.

Explain in what way Shabbat is holy and how Jewish families mark its beginning and ending.

Give examples of what the Torah says about living a holy life.

What is the great significance of the Eucharist for Christians?

Passover, Eucharist, Holy Communion, thanksgiving

The Eucharist is a reminder of Jesus’ life and sacrifice and God’s love and forgiveness. Giving thanks to God is a Christian duty.

Understand and compare the different Gospel writers accounts of the Last Supper.

Explain what the Holy communion service means to Christians.

Explore Christian belief in the importance of giving thanks.

How did Buddha teach his followers to find enlightenment?

Buddha, enlightenment, eightfold path, Dharma wheel, four noble truths, meditation

Buddhists believe people have the ability to become enlightened like the Buddha if they follow his teachings.

Retell the story of Buddha’s enlightenment.

Describe the Eightfold Path as techniques for overcoming suffering.

Describe the use and importance of stillness and meditation

Year 6

How do Christians show their belief that Jesus is God incarnate?

Divine, incarnate, Emmanuel, ichthus,- humanity, identify, Anglican, creed, christingle

Christians believe Jesus was God incarnate - both human and divine, the second person of the Holy Trinity

Explore the Biblical origin of Christian belief in Jesus as God.

Explain how Jesus’ divinity is recognised in different ways including in buildings, doctrines and creed.

Explore how the Children’s Society ‘incarnate’ the love of Jesus.

How does tawhid create a sense of belonging to the Muslim community?

Kaaba, Ummah, Hajj, Tawhid

Muslims believe in the one-ness of Allah and the one-ness of the Muslim community.

Explain how the Kaaba or ‘cube’ reminds Muslims that there is only one God.

Explain how the practice of each pillar makes a Muslim feel they belong to the ‘ummah.’

Describe the impact of Hajj on a Muslim.

How do questions about Brahman and atman influence the way a Hindu lives?

Brahman, Atman, Namaste, deities, Ahimsa

Hindus believe all living things contain a ‘spark’ of Brahman, which in humans is known as the ‘atman’.

Explain some key teachings Hindus hold about Brahman / Atman linking these to religious texts.

Explain the different ways Hindus explain their ideas of God

Describe how belief in Brahman affects a Hindu’s diet and their attitude to animals.

How does the Triple Refuge help Buddhists in their journey through life?

Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, Triple Gem, five moral precepts, Wesek, laity, monastic

Buddhists believe that the Buddha, his teachings and the Buddhist community are a refuge and guide for release from suffering.

Show how Buddhists express their belief that the Buddha is a refuge and guide by referring to the story of Angulimala.

Explain how the Buddha’s teachings (dharma) help Buddhists journey along the path.

Explain how members of the Sangha support each other at the festival of Wesak.

Should believing in the resurrection change how Christians view life and death?

Resurrection, creed, hallelujah, collect, euphemisms.

Christians believe in the resurrection and the afterlife.

Explore the witness to the resurrection accounts in the Gospel.

Understanding why Easter services are celebratory

Exploring Christian funerals and the belief in the afterlife.

Why do Humanists say happiness is the goal of life?

Humanist, agnostic, atheist, secularist, reason, rights, responsibilities, ceremonies,

Humanists believe every human has only one life to live and so people should try to make life happy and fulfilling for themselves and for everyone else.  

Describe how Humanist advertising expresses their beliefs.

Describe some practices involved at Humanist celebrations.

Explore how being a humanist affects someone's life and decision making.