YEAR 8 SYLLABUS
5. SIKHISM
Aims:
To know and to understand the origins and beliefs of Sikhism, observing that it is a total way of life; to gain an awareness of the nature of commitment and to see that religious belief has practical implications.
'Implicit' Ideas:
Catering for spiritual needs; community; concept of sacred or holy/ specialised; symbolism; service; equality
Sources of guidance and instruction; authority; answer to questions about life.
Concepts:
Implicit: community; purpose; service; authority
Explicit: gurdwara; Guru Granth Sahib; The Five Ks; Granthi; Ik Onkar; Khanda; Kangha; Kara; Kesh; Kirpan; Kachera; Khalsa
Content and Suggestions:
- Belonging to a Club: Starting with experiences which will provide a link to understanding Sikh practices.
Use an exercise such as brainstorming or mind-mapping to explore what it means to be a member of a club - e.g. uniform, meetings, meeting place, activities, rules, logo, symbols, rituals, badges etc.
Introductory Ideas: any prior knowledge? Pick some basic, if isolated, ideas: e.g. turbans, Punjab, belief in one God.
- Symbol of Sikhism: Use "Sikhism" by Sue Penny.
Go through parts of the symbol and how they relate to parts of Sikh belief. Draw whole symbol and then each part with an accompanying explanation.
- Guru Nanak: The story, influence and significance of Guru Nanak. Use the animated video as an introduction.
Discuss important factors - influences of Hinduism and Islam; caste; equality.
Produce a storyboard/ cartoon format story of his life.
More able pupils could go on to explain the effects of his life and teaching on the development of Sikhism.
- The Next Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib: Quick survey of the other gurus, but particularly the major influence of the 10th guru - Gobind Singh.
The story of the Five - good for class drama.
Guru Granth Sahib: who wrote it? Its role, importance and significance. - some video footage available.
- The 5 Ks: Recap. on some aspects of club membership - uniform.
Investigate: Kesh, Kangha, Kara, Kirpan and Kaccha - (some video clips) - and their meaning within the religion.
- The Khalsa: The fellowship - set up by Gobind Singh. The rules. Iniatiation into Khalsa.
- The Gurdwara: Understanding the function and importance of te gurdwara. Diagrams, explanations of use.
The Nishan Sahib and treatment. The Langar. Worhip, teaching, guidance, equality, food.
Also could consider the Golden Temple at Amritsar.
Time:
10 weeks
Resources:
Sikhism Video
Guru Nanak - animated series Video
Sikhism Books
Sources of Faith CD-ROM
Aspects of Religion CD-ROM
Assessment:
- Knowledge of the main facts about Sikhism
- Understanding beliefs and practices of Sikhs and reasons for them
- Ability to identify main features of gurdwaras and to understand reasons for the way in which they are used.
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