Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Describe some oral traditions in some ancient societies.
- Understand the reasons written traditions developed.
- Discuss why new languages develop as a result of diaspora.
- Consider the role of Biblical Hebrew and Classical Arabic for many Jewish and Muslim people today.
- Identify religious and cultural uses of Hebrew and Arabic.
- Describe why some believers choose to learn and read the language of their religious scripture.
- Identify an ancient language, a translation and a commentary in a copy of a page of scripture.
- Consider what might be holy to a believer.
- Describe how translations, the creation of scripts like Gurmukhi and artwork made religious teachings more accessible.
- Reflect on why some scriptures have no art or symbols.
Suggested prior learning
Why is the Bible the best-selling book of all time?
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Please note
From April 2026, lessons and resources within this unit will be updated, focusing on pitch, lesson length and key vocabulary. The context, skills and knowledge covered and learning progression of the unit remain the same. This version of the unit will be available in the Archive area.
Teacher video: Does the language of scripture matter?
Lessons
Lesson 1: What came before written scripture?
Lesson 2: How has Biblical Hebrew evolved?
Lesson 3: Is all Arabic the same?
Lesson 4: Should prayers be said in their ‘original’ languages?
Lesson 5: How important are translations of religious scripture?
Lesson 6: Why does some religious scripture contain artwork?
Key skills
Disciplinary
- Asking questions about what
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Key knowledge
Substantive
To know:
- Religious and non-religious
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Key vocabulary
culture
Hadith
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Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser – R&W Y4: Does the language of scripture matter?
Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit 'Does the language of scripture matter?'
Vocabulary display – R&W Y4: Does the language of scripture matter?
A display version of the vocabulary from the 'Does the language of scripture matter?' unit.
Subject resources
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Cross-curricular opportunities
English: Reading- comprehension; Spoken language.
History
RSE: Respectful relationships.
British values: Mutual respect; Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs; Rule of law.
Build on the learning
Why do people have to stand up for what they believe in?
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