This activity was used with pupils in key stage 4, year 10.

Aims

• To respect and value religious diversity.
• To identify and learn about the variety of religious affiliations.
• To understand the contribution religious diversity makes to a community.
• To reflect on how various religions are related to each other.

Activity objectives

• To produce a book identifying and describing the diverse religions in the local area.
• To develop literacy and communication skills by writing letters, by designing book covers and cover copy and by designing publicity materials for a simulated marketing campaign.
• To think about the ways symbols are used in religions.

Activity description

The pupils used the internet, reference books and other resources to gather information about the various religions represented in their town. Their goal was to produce a book that described the religious character of their town. (Another class would, of course, use 'My community . . .', 'My village . . .', 'My city . . .', in the title, as appropriate)

Their research included gathering information about the:

• religions represented;
• places of worship;
• numbers of followers;
• symbols used and why.

Based on the information they collected, the pupils undertook a variety of activities individually, in groups, and as a whole class to produce the book and market it. These activities included:

• writing 50 words for the back cover of the book, to encourage other people to read the book, which the pupils promoted as a 'very important document';
• writing a letter to a publisher explaining what was in the book and why the book should be published;
• writing a letter to a local newspaper asking the editor to feature or write a review of the book, explaining why it was important for the paper's readers to know about the book and be encouraged to read it;
• designing a book cover that would be acceptable to all the faiths in the book. The pupils were aware that the cover needed to reflect the content of the book and be attractive enough to encourage people to pick it up to read it;
• designing a poster advertising the book. The poster highlighted the multicultural and multifaith importance;
• asking some religious leaders to contribute to the book by being interviewed or by contributing a short, written article explaining their hopes for the future development of their faith in the local community.

Commentary

These activities fitted into different amounts of available time (in class or as homework) and the pupils worked individually in group or class projects.

Extension activities

Extension activities could include:

• writing a book chapter or section that explicitly states how the book values diversity and challenges racism;
• creating a design brief for a book of this kind, covering its purpose, contents and style;
• conducting more detailed research for the book, such as interviewing families from different religious groups and describing their experiences;
• reviewing the book for a local media outlet.

Resources

The religious education schemes of work can be found at www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes
The online national curriculum can be found at www.nc.uk.net

Religious education introduction

All subjects and activities

Respect for all introduction