Year 5 Religious Education

In Branch 1, pupils learn about Moses and his special encounter with God. They explore the story of Moses, focusing on key events such as the Burning Bush and the giving of the Ten Commandments. Pupils examine how these commandments connect to the teachings of Jesus and discuss the concept of covenants—promises that God makes with figures like Noah, Abraham, and Moses.

The branch also highlights how the Ten Commandments guide people to live well. Pupils develop an understanding of sin and reflect on virtues, which are good habits that help individuals lead positive and meaningful lives. Through these teachings, they see how God’s commandments encourage good choices and kind treatment of others.

By engaging with these lessons, pupils discover why the commandments remain relevant today. They consider how these values help individuals grow and contribute to a stronger, more compassionate community.

In Branch 2, pupils learn about King David’s journey from a young shepherd to a faithful and courageous king. They explore key biblical stories, including David’s victory over Goliath, his rise to kingship, and the promises God makes to him. Through these events, pupils gain insight into what it means to be a faithful leader and how David’s trust in God shapes his life.

The branch also introduces the prophets—Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah—and their prophecies about David’s role in God’s plan. Pupils examine how these messages connect David’s life to Jesus, who is seen as the fulfillment of God’s promise to David. They explore gospel passages to understand how Jesus continues these promises and how they link back to God’s covenant with Abraham.

Additionally, pupils study the Psalms, using David as a model of prayer. By reading some of the psalms attributed to him, they learn how prayer deepens their relationship with God and inspires loving service to others. The branch also includes learning about the Rosary, with a focus on the joyful mysteries and their significance in reflecting on the life of Christ.

In Branch 3, pupils explore the “new law” that Jesus gives, which builds upon the law of Moses and places love and kindness at the heart of a blessed life. They learn about the Transfiguration, where Jesus appears with Moses and Elijah, revealing to his disciples—Peter, James, and John—how he fulfills both the law and the prophets. Pupils also study the Beatitudes, where Jesus describes what it means to live a truly blessed life, and reflect on how his teachings call everyone to love their neighbours.

By comparing the Beatitudes with the Ten Commandments and examining one of Jesus’ parables, pupils discover how these teachings continue to guide Christians today. They also study the Our Father, a prayer that captures the essence of Jesus’ message. By exploring each petition, pupils gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and how it reflects the core values of the gospel.

Throughout this unit, pupils learn how virtues such as hope and charity are essential to living out Jesus’ teachings. They see how prayer strengthens their connection to God’s love and inspires them to serve others with compassion. By the end of the branch, pupils are able to discuss these ideas in depth, understand the relationship between Jesus’ new law and the old, and recognise how these lessons can shape their lives.

In Branch 4, pupils explore the concepts of sin, salvation, and the “last things”—death, judgment, heaven, and hell—within the context of God’s plan. Although God desires all people to reach heaven, the Church teaches that individuals can sometimes turn away by making choices that lead them off this path. Pupils examine how Jesus, though fully divine, experiences human temptations—such as those in the wilderness—yet remains faithful to God’s plan. This helps them understand how sin and redemption are central to the journey toward God.

The branch also focuses on Ash Wednesday and Lent, a season when Christians reflect on their decisions and renew their relationship with God. Pupils learn what takes place during the Ash Wednesday Mass, explore the symbols involved, and consider how Christians respond to God’s call during Lent through prayer and reflection. They discuss the meaning of “conscience,” explore Catholic views on sin, and connect these ideas to the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus.

Additionally, pupils study Catholic beliefs about the last things and reflect on how St. Paul’s writings and the sorrowful mysteries of the Rosary help Christians understand the promise of resurrection and eternal life. By the end of the unit, pupils gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan for salvation and recognise how their actions and choices play a vital role in that journey.

In Branch 5, pupils study the Sacrament of Confirmation, one of the three sacraments of initiation in the Church. They explore its scriptural roots, beginning with the words of the prophets and continuing through the events in Acts, including Pentecost—when the Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples. The term “confirmation” means “to strengthen,” and through this sacrament, Christians are fortified in their faith by the power of the Holy Spirit, receiving an increase in the gifts of the Spirit.

Pupils examine the meaning behind each part of the Confirmation ceremony, including the role of the bishop as a successor to the apostles and the laying on of hands, tracing this connection back to the early Church. They also learn about the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit and how these help Christians live out their faith as disciples.

In Branch 6, pupils explore how Christians view the Bible and how the Church helps them understand its deeper meaning. They learn that the word “Bible” comes from the Greek term biblia, meaning “little books,” and that the Bible is a collection of writings gathered over centuries. These texts include various types of literature, often passed down orally before being written and edited by individuals inspired by the Holy Spirit. While the Bible reflects human perspectives, the Church teaches that it is sacred and divinely inspired, intended to guide, teach, and lead people toward holiness.

Pupils also discover how the Church supports Catholics in interpreting the Bible’s sacred texts, from the Jewish scriptures to the Gospels and early Christian writings. By studying translations and the many languages in which the Bible is written, they gain insight into how its message reaches diverse communities around the world. Additionally, they explore the names used for God in the Jewish scriptures (Tanakh) and learn about Jewish beliefs expressed in the Shema prayer.

By the end of this unit, pupils are able to explain the Bible’s history, recognise it as God’s inspired word, and understand how it continues to guide people’s lives today.