Year 7 Syllabus

4. THE LOCAL CHURCH

Aims:

Because it is part of our local environment and of the fabric of local life, and because it will further our understanding of religion in a local, and, therefore, familiar context, to introduce pupils to their local parish church, its layout, function and what it expresses about Christian belief.

'Implicit' Ideas:

Guidance and direction for life as a quest or spiritual journey; factors that bind communities together - shared purpose; conveying spiritual feelings; communication and expression of ideas in symbolic form.

Concepts:

Implicit: Symbolism; meaning; community; awe; beauty; inspiration; peace/tranquillity; sharing.
Explicit: Church; worship; sacred; believer; Trinity; priest.

Content and Suggestions

Discover any involvement on the part of pupils and encourage them to talk about the local church if they want to (e.g. choir, scouts, guides, youth club).
Use work guide in conjunction with the books "What to Look for Inside a Church." Examine how the design of the church building and its contents reflect important beliefs. Functions of the building.
This section concludes with a visit to Holy Trinity Church where the rector is only too pleased to arrange a visit. There is such a lot to see in just one lesson that ample preparation and explanation, as in b), are essential prior to the visit.
Pupils could be set a mini-project to do on "The Church in Rayleigh", or some similar theme, which would allow them to investigate how the church building is used by the community in worship and service to others.

Time:

About 4 weeks

Resources:

What to Look for Inside a Church		FitzWimarc Workbook
Holy Trinity					Visit Workbook
Our Church					Radio Filmslides
God's House / God's Family			Video
Set of Picture/information 'cards'

Assessment:

Knowledge of design and furniture of our local parish church
Awareness of the use of various items in the church
Understanding the symbolism of the layout and items of furniture
Understanding and being able to explain how Christian beliefs are expressed in the local church.

Completion of worksheet tasks - research, written and art tasks, discussion.
Completion of project - research; possibility of interviewing one of Holy Trinity Team.
Completion of booklet on church visit.

G. Jones:
The FitzWimarc School, Rayleigh, Essex