Why is fire used ceremonially?

Exploring the symbolism of fire in ceremonies and for remembrance.

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  2. Religion and worldviews >
  3. Key stage 2 >
  4. Year 3 >
  5. Why is fire used ceremonially?

Please note

Lessons and resources within this unit have been updated and replaced, with improvements to pitch, lesson length and key vocabulary. Each lesson now focuses on one worldview, making the content more streamlined and accessible for children. The context, skills, knowledge and overall learning progression of the unit remain the same.

Unit outcomes

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

  • Discussing different ways fire can be used and considering connections.
  • Suggesting the symbolism of the Olympic flame.
  • Discussing how someone at a Hindu ceremony might feel and what the fire might mean to them.
  • Identifying the role of Shiva’s fire in a story.
  • Explaining why fire is used in some Zoroastrian ceremonies.
  • Explaining why different Jewish candles might be lit.
  • Suggesting symbols to represent remembrance.
  • Discussing why Jesus is seen by many Christians as the ‘light of the world’.

Suggested prior learning

Why is water symbolic?

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Teacher video: Why is fire used ceremonially?

An overview video to support the teaching of this unit.
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Lessons

Lesson 1: What can fire symbolise?

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Lesson 2: How is fire used in some Hindu ceremonies?

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Lesson 3: Can fire be divine?

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Lesson 4: What is an eternal flame?

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Lesson 5: How is fire used to remember?

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Lesson 6: What happens in the Easter Vigil?

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Key skills

Disciplinary

  • Asking questions about what
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Key knowledge

Substantive

To know:

  • Rituals are a
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Key vocabulary

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covenant

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    Resources

Unit resources

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Religion and worldviews

Knowledge organiser – R&W Y3: Why is fire used ceremonially?

Aimed at pupils, a single page document providing key facts and definitions from the unit 'Why is fire used ceremonially?'.

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Religion and worldviews

Vocabulary display – R&W Y3: Why is fire used ceremonially?

A display version of the vocabulary from the ‘Why is fire used ceremonially’ unit.

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Subject resources

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Cross-curricular opportunities

English: Reading comprehension; Spoken language.

History: Ancient Greece.

Science: Plants.

RSE: Respectful relationships.

British Values: Tolerance of different cultures and religions; Mutual respect.

Build on the learning

ARCHIVED Year 4: Are all religions equal?

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