Google Translate

Google Search

Chiddingstone Church of England School

Going Above and Beyond Together

RE

The Big Story Canvases

The Big Story of the Bible canvases

The whole school, including staff, have competed an ambitious project to create 8 pictures to represent the 8 parts of the Big Story of the Bible, following the Understanding Christianity scheme: God (staff), Creation (Year R), Fall (Year 1) People of God (Year 2) Incarnation (Year 3), Gospel (Year 3), Salvation (Year 5) Kingdom of God (Year 6.) The canvases represent the Christian belief that God loves people, even when they mess up and never gives up on them. The Bible tells the story of what God has done throughout human history and continues to do. Christianity at Chiddingstone is taught using these 8 themes (more details below) and these beautiful canvases are on display for all to see and remember the biggest, and most important story, ever told!

God	Fundamental to Christian belief is the existence of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit
Creation	Christians believe the universe and human life are God’s good creation. Humans are made in the image of God.
Fall	Humans have a tendency to go their own way rather than keep their place in relation to their creator. This attitude is called sin, and Genesis 3 gives an account of this rebellion, popularly called ‘the Fall’. This describes a catastrophic separation between God and humans, between humans and each other, and between humans and the environment. This idea that humans are ‘fallen’ and in need of rescue (or salvation) sets out the root cause of many problems for humanity.
People of God	The Old Testament tells the story of God’s plan to reverse the impact of the Fall, to save humanity. It involves choosing a people who will model a restored relationship with God, who will attract all other people back to God. The Bible narrative includes the ups and downs of this plan, including the message of the prophets who tried to persuade people to stick with God. The plan appears to end in failure with the people of God exiled, and then returning, awaiting a ‘messiah’ – a rescuer.
Incarnation	The New Testament presents Jesus as the answer: the Messiah and Saviour, who will repair the effects of sin and the Fall and offer a way for humans to be at one with God again. Incarnation means that Jesus is God in the flesh, and that, in Jesus, God came to live amongt humans.
Gospel	Christians believe Jesus’ incarnation is ‘good news’ for all people. (‘Gospel’ means ‘good news’.) His life, teaching and ministry embody what it is like to be one of the People of God, what it means to live in relationship with God. Jesus’ example and teaching emphasise loving one’s neighbour – particularly the weak and vulnerable – as part of loving God.
Salvation	Jesus’ death and resurrection effect the rescue or salvation of humans. He opens the way back to God. Christians believe that through Jesus, sin is dealt with, forgiveness offered, and the relationship between God and humans is restored.
Kingdom of God	This does not mean that no one sins any more! The Bible talks in terms of God’s ‘Kingdom’ having begun in human hearts through Jesus. The idea of the ‘Kingdom of God’ reflects God’s ideal for human life in the world – a vision of life lived in the way God intended for human beings. Christians look forward to a time when God’s rule is fulfilled at some future point, in a restored, transformed heaven and earth. Meanwhile, they seek to live this attractive life as in God’s Kingdom, following Jesus’ example, inspired and empowered by God’s Spirit.

The canvases being presented infront of the school in a special Act of Worship

Humanist speaker: As part of our learning about Humanism, Year 3 and Year 5 were given a fascinating talk by a humanist from Humanists UK, who talked about his world view and how it impacts the way he lives.

Humanist speaker

Year 2 made mosques out of lego

Year 6 have learnt about - The Golden Rule, 'treat others as you want to be treated.'

Year 4 visit to the Hindu Temple in Crawley, The Apple Tree Centre

Year 3 answering some big questions about Salvation.

Year 6 artwork based on Psalm 8

Year 5 trip to Chatham Memorial Synagogue and Rochester Cathedral

Year 2 Easter Gardens

Year 1 explore Jewish artefacts

Year 6 trip to London Mosque and St Martin in the Fields Church

Year 3 trip to Sikh Gurdwara

At Chiddingstone Church of England School, we use the " Understanding Christianity" agreed Kent syllabus. Please see the overview below.

A creative approach, which includes drama, music, film clips, art, cookery and kinaesthetic reflective activities, inspires and engages the children.

As well as visiting St Mary’s church frequently, (not just for weekly Acts of Worship but for investigations too), all children will have had the opportunity to experience a city church, a Mosque, a Gurdwara and a Synagogue by the time they leave the school. Visitors are also invited in to answer searching questions from the children.