2022-24 Year 5 Blog

 What an interesting day learning about Humanism and their beliefs. Humanists do not believe in a god or the after life. They believe in science as well as seeking happiness by treating others as they would want to be treated.  Our first part of the lesson was all about communicating what the children think a good life is as well as justifying it with their experiences. Then, they applied this and looked at where rules come from and how these can help them in their lives. This was then compared to how humanists might have a good life. Finally the children evaluated if it was important for humanists to live a good life and why we should respect their point of view. 

 During RE day, the children looked at the concept of divinity within the Christian faith. First, they looked at stories where Jesus carried out miracles and then they focussed on a specific one found in Mark chapter 2 vs 1 - 12, This is the story about Jesus healing a paralysed man.  The children discussed why Christians believe Jesus performed miracles as well as understanding why divinity is important to Christians.  Finally, the children linked their learning to their own beliefs and thoughts. They had to answer the question, ‘If you could pray for a miracle, what would it be?’  One child said world peace which I thought was incredible insight for a child so young. 

 A very interesting lesson today with Hamza who gave the children a great insight into the beliefs and life of a Muslim. He brought in a Qur’an and prayer mats and scarves.  The children asked some very interesting questions and said it was very interesting. 

 What an amazing day learning all about stewardship.  We began by looking at things that are precious to us and how we might treat them as well as what we do with precious things to keep them safe.  We then had a debate about if it is right to look after other people’s belongings. This was hard to answer for some depending on whether it was their siblings items or not.  Next, we watched a clip from Blue Planet raising awareness of pollution in the ocean. This led nicely onto our discussion how Muslims believe in creation and that we have been put on the planet to look after the Earth. Following this, the class looked at ways they could be good stewards.  A really enjoyable and informative day. 

 Reverend Amanda and Reverend Dion came into school today and talked to the children about celebrating Christmas. They asked the children to think about others and not just focus on the presents. She then set a challenge to the teachers to build a christingle blindfolded. The children really enjoyed taking part in this.  Today, Reverend Dion came to visit Priory Class and reminded us about the two different stories in the bible about the birth of Jesus.  Two of the children read the passages and then the children discussed what angels look like as well as the meaning of ‘the line of David’.  The children were then given time to answer questions. 

 Today,  year 5 had a great day identifying what interpretations are and how different stories in the bible are interpreted.  Before the lesson started the children tried to define the word ‘interpretation’. Then they looked at two different stories about the birth of Christ; one from Luke and one from Mathew. They then evaluated the differences in the two stories and how they may effect Christian’s today. One thing they all agreed on was that the birth of Jesus needed to happen in both stories and the other subtle differences don’t matter.  From there they looked at different illusions in pictures.  Everybody enjoyed the pictures and this helped them to really understand interpretations and that these are always personal and sometimes different opinions are necessary. 

 What a great experience the children had today learning how to celebrate Diwali using the traditional Bollywood Dance. The children learnt that the song is offering praise and thanks for all we have.