Learning objective
- To explore why light is used in special ways by thinking about light and darkness.
Success criteria
- I can talk about how dark and
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Religious Education Council Curriculum Framework for RE in England (non-statutory guidance):
- C1: Explore questions about belonging,
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Cross-curricular links
Art
Pupils should be taught to:
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Before starting this unit, you may want to check that the children can recall: Some people read stories from books that are special to them as part of their religious beliefs. People who follow the Christian, Hindu and Jewish worldviews believe in God. Actions and objects can have special meanings to different people.
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
Could record one word or draw one thing to show what candles can mean to people; could use the Resource: Word bank in the Main event; could rewatch the Pupil video: Special lights for inspiration.
Pupils working at greater depth:
Could use one colour to record when and why people might use candles or special lights (e.g. celebrations, remembering, prayer, comfort) and a second colour to show how light might make people feel (e.g. calm, hopeful, safe); should write a sentence starting with ‘Light can mean…’ next to their candle.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: sharing examples of where
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Vocabulary definitions
-
candle
A block of wax with a wick, which, when lit, produces light.
-
dark
When there is little or no light.
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In this unit
Assessment - R&W Y2: Why is light important people?
Lesson 1: Why are lights used at special times?
Lesson 2: Who were Rama and Sita?
Lesson 3: Why and how are lights used during Diwali?
Lesson 4: How are candles used during Advent?
Lesson 5: What do candles symbolise at Hanukkah?
Lesson 6: Why are lights used symbolically?
Year 2: What can light mean at Christmas?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 14th January, 2026
Lesson 3: Exploring tonal shading
Developing tonal shading skills using control and pressure.
Lesson 1: Sources of light
Exploring darkness as the absence of light and different sources of light.
Lesson 2: Light-up wearables
Creating and developing design criteria to ensure the success of a product.
Lesson 1: What can fire symbolise?
Investigating the Olympic ceremony and what the flame represents to some people.
