Introduction
We are living in a changing world where access to world news, different cultures and various religious traditions is now possible at the touch of a button. The role of religion in people’s lives and in the world as a whole is highlighted again and again through various aspects of the media. Pupils have greater access to information about the world around them and it is important they are able to find and use the information about World Religions other than Christianity appropriately.
The demographic of our society is also changing with migrant workers from Eastern Europe and further afield settling in Northern Ireland. People bring with them their own traditions, culture and religious beliefs and it is important that this is recognised. Religious Education has a role to play in developing pupil knowledge and understanding of religious beliefs and practices in order to promote sensitivity towards varying religious traditions.
To address this, the Core Syllabus for Religious Education in Northern Ireland includes the introduction of Learning Objective 4 – World Religions at Key Stage 3. This states that:
“Pupils should be given an introduction to two world religions other than Christianity in order to develop knowledge of and sensitivity towards, the religious beliefs, practices and lifestyle of people from other religions in Northern Ireland.”
The Learning Objective is split into the following 7 sections:
- origins;
- beliefs;
- sacred writings and symbols;
- worship and prayer;
- feasts and festival;
- family life;
- ceremonies: birth to death.
This website has been developed to help teachers of Religious Education
to deliver Learning Objective 4 across Key Stage 3.