Manchester Diocesan Board of Education
Religious Education Syllabus for Church of England Schools
Unit 4.2 Christmas- Exploring the symbolism of light
No. of Hours 6 (Inc.2 Hours Judaism)
Christian Value: Hope
Key Questions
Why is Jesus described as the Light of the World?
What did the light do to the dark?
Why is light such a powerful symbol?
Is light a good metaphor for Jesus?
The sun already lights the world so how can Jesus be the light?
How did Jesus bring light?
How does Jesus bring light?
Key Vocabulary:
Jesus, light, candles, Christingle, Light of the World, Saviour and incarnation.
Key Experiences:
Sitting in a darkened room in candlelight;
Considering how Jesus and the actions of his followers brings light into people’s lives.
Programme of Study to Include:
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It is
Sitting in a darkened room in candlelight followed by discussion
Exploring the belief that Jesus is the light of the world, reading together chapter one
of John’s Gospel.
Talking about Christingle services and symbolism (http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk )
How Christians reflect the light of Jesus in their lives.
Considering how the behaviour of the pupils can bring light into the lives of those around
them.
important that this unit does not become a cross–curricular topic on light.
The aim of this unit is to: explore the Christian concept of Jesus the ‘Light of the
World’ and the multi-faceted metaphor of bringing light into people’s lives.
Learning Objectives
Pupils should:
AT1
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AT2
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be able to retell stories from the life of Jesus through
drama;
be able to suggest meanings for religious belief expressed
through art;
begin to identify the impact of religion on believers lives;
be able to directly link values and behaviour.
Level 2
be able to talk about their feelings and experiences;
identify values in their own behaviour and the actions of
others;
be able to ask important questions about religion and beliefs.
Level 1
Level 2
© Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education 2013 – Lisa Fenton
Level 4
Level 3
Level 3
Level 3
Unit 4.2 Page 1
Manchester Diocesan Board of Education
Religious Education Syllabus for Church of England Schools
AT1
AT2
AT2
Suggested Activities
Possible Level of
Achievement
Sit the children in a darkened room and light a scented candle.
Wait for a moment in the silence and then ask the children to
reflect upon the effect of the light on their own feelings and on the
darkness.
What did the light do to the dark?
What does the light make you think of?
How does the light make you feel?
Is the light positive/negative? Good/bad?
Write Darkness and Light poetry
Record individually
Level 1
Reflect
Ponder on
feelings and
experiences
Level 2
AT2
Create a dance or movement sequence interpreting light overcoming
darkness.
Take Photographs
AT2
If you were sitting in the darkness with no hope of light how would
you feel? This could be an appropriate time to talk about hostages
and the story of Terry Waite. (Lots of Child Friendly information
about Terry Waite can be found on the internet)
What does light symbolise?
Why is light such a powerful symbol?
Level 2-3
Empathise
See the world
through someone
else’s eyes
Level 2
Belief
Is light a good metaphor for Jesus?
In John 8:12 Jesus tells the people that he is the light of the
world.
Talk about the words used in songs such as the old favourites,
‘Colours of Day’ and ‘Shine Jesus Shine’. What do the songs tell us
about Jesus and what Christians believe about him?
Record Individually
Level 3
Belief
Collect light giving objects e.g. torch, lamp, candle and pictures of
light sources e.g. sun, fire, moon, street light and lighthouse.
Create metaphors that describe the qualities of Jesus’ light using
these forms of light. e.g. Jesus’ light is like the sun because it
shines all over the world. The light of Jesus is like a torch showing
the way along a dark path.
Children could work in groups and then the whole class could
combine ideas
Level 3
Apply
Apply what has
been learnt
about a religion
© Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education 2013 – Lisa Fenton
Unit 4.2 Page 2
Manchester Diocesan Board of Education
Religious Education Syllabus for Church of England Schools
AT1
Story
Children could re-enact stories from Jesus’ life, of occasions where
he brought light into people’s lives. e.g. The calling of Matthew,
Zacchaeus, healing miracles, Jairus’ daughter etc.
Take photos and attach captions.
Level 2
AT1
Look at a variety of paintings of the Nativity and make comparisons.
How do the artists show that Jesus was the light coming into the
world? Make comparisons and talk about the use of colour and
shapes. Look at the paintings from the point of view of someone
who knows nothing about Jesus. What is the picture telling them?
Ask the children to create and explain their own piece of artwork
symbolising Jesus the light of the world. Give them the opportunity
to use a variety of mediums.
This can be recorded on Post it notes attached to the painting and
put into your class RE Scrapbook.
Level 4
Interpret
Draw meaning
from Symbols
and Art
AT1
Belief
In candlelight read from the Gospel of John 1:1-14.
Who is John writing about?
Jesus is the light of the world. In what way?
The sun already lights the world so how can Jesus be the light?
How did Jesus bring light? How does Jesus bring light?
Record in groups in the form of a mind map.
Level 3
AT1
Make Christingle oranges and explore the symbolism.
(http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk and search for Christingle)
Level 2
Belief
AT1
Impact
Christians believe that the light of Jesus fills their hearts and that
they walk in his light.
How is this reflected in the way they live their lives? Interview
Christians and ask them.
Christians show Jesus’ light in their lives by……………..
Record this individually in words and pictures..
AT2
How could the behaviour of the children bring light into the lives of
those around them? Family, friends etc
Do they know anyone who brings light into the life of others?
This could include characters from history, charity workers,
neighbours, fictional characters.
This can be recorded individually.
© Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education 2013 – Lisa Fenton
Level 3
Level 3
Unit 4.2 Page 3
Manchester Diocesan Board of Education
Religious Education Syllabus for Church of England Schools
Impact
Ask the clergy if there are any parishioners who would appreciate
receiving a special card from the children to brighten their day. You
could make a display for the church or local old people’s home.
Children could make promises to help, share, make, tidy….etc.
Level 3
Opportunities for Assessment: Some Examples
Level 2
Children could re-enact stories from Jesus’ life, of occasions where he brought light into people’s
lives. e.g. The calling of Matthew, Zacchaeus, healing miracles, Jairus’ daughter etc.
Take photos and attach captions.
Level 3
How could the behaviour of the children bring light into the lives of those around them? Family,
friends etc
Do they know anyone who brings light into the life of others?
This could include characters from history, charity workers, neighbours, fictional characters.
This can be recorded individually.
Alternative assessment activities: Teacher’s Notes
Note here assessment activities used not mentioned above.
I can…..
AT1
Level 2
Level 4
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act out a story from the life of Jesus;
suggest meanings for the symbolism of light in Christian
Art;
talk about ways in which Jesus light is reflected in the
actions of Christians;
make links between values and behaviour.
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talk about my feelings, experiences, and ideas;
ask important questions about religion and beliefs;
identify my values and those of others.
Level 1
Level 3
Level 2
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
AT2
© Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education 2013 – Lisa Fenton
Level 3
Level 3
Unit 4.2 Page 4
Manchester Diocesan Board of Education
Religious Education Syllabus for Church of England Schools
Link to Diocesan Resources
Reflection and Response CD
Light through the trees
Describe the light.
Describe the effect of the light on darkness.
How would it feel to be standing in this place?
Use this picture to help explain to someone why Jesus is described as the
light.
Find or create some music that could be played whilst this picture is on a
screen and an appropriate prayer is being read.
Find a Bible verse that could be alongside this picture.
Snuffing out the Advent Candles
The Advent Ring Candles on Christmas Day – all five candles are lit.
Why is the large candle in the centre special?
What does it symbolise?
How can you tell that the Christmas Day service is finished in this
church?
What are these children thinking?
The full resources can be found on the Reflection and Response CD
The Last Supper CD and Poster
Jesus is in the centre of the picture and a candle is
just in front of him.
On the CD in the Primary Resources folder ‘Take a
Closer Look’ you will find additional ideas to support
this unit.
Learning Challenges
Ask pupils to write a prayer asking Jesus to be a guiding light illuminating the way through specific
circumstances e.g. a current issue in the news.
Continue this unit with………………
Non-Christian Faith Unit – Hanukkah (The Jewish Festival of Light) – 2hours
Information and ideas for activities can be found in the Hanukkah Unit on the BDBE
Judaism CD.
These include; The story of Judas Macabee and the restoration of the Temple,
making Hannukiah the 9 branch candle stick and playing Driedel.
© Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education 2013 – Lisa Fenton
Unit 4.2 Page 5