AUTUMN

This term, children will learn about why people have to stand up for what they believe in. They will identify challenges people face because of their religious beliefs and suggest ways to create positive changes. Children will explore various viewpoints surrounding religious prejudice and also talk about how beliefs have been challenged in the past. Children will analyse events and issues and how these might impact people’s lives.

Spring:

This term, children will learn about what is the best for a Sanatani to show commitment to God? Children will be looking at the theme of prayer and worship, being able to explain what commitment means and how it can be demonstrated in different ways, being able to explain the significance of Puja, explaining how Santanis worship and show devotion to the god and goddess and how a pilgrimage to the Ganges might show their commitment to God.

Summer 1:

This term, Year 5 will explore important teachings from Sanatana Dharma and investigate what Sanatanis believe about God and the world around them. To begin the enquiry, the children will explore the meaning of Brahman and discuss how Sanatanis believe God can exist everywhere and within all living things. They will then move on to exploring why Brahman can take many forms. As part of this lesson, the children will think about the different parts of their own personalities, imagine these qualities as different characters, and learn about the roles of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Using this understanding, they will design a modern version of one deity to represent its special role and qualities. In lesson 3, the children will read and discuss The Tree and Seed of the Banyan Tree, exploring the meaning of the hidden “essence” inside the seed and what this teaches about unseen power and life. They will then rewrite part of the story using descriptive language to explain Sanatani teachings about God. As the enquiry develops, the children will explain how characteristics of Brahman shown in different deities help Sanatanis understand how God can be everywhere and in everything. They will then make links between beliefs about Brahman and the gods and how these beliefs can influence the ways Sanatanis choose to live their lives. In the final lesson, the children will explore how believing that the living world is important may affect people’s actions and choices.