Support material for
The Year of Matthew
Year A: From Advent to Christmas
Second Half of Autumn Term 2013/2014
The Diocesan Policy on Religious Education (2012) commits the Diocese to support schools in implementing the requirements of the Curriculum Directory and other norms of the Bishops’ Conference. More recently this Diocesan support has focussed on a number of areas including:
· Agreeing and developing a fuller understanding of the national Levels of Attainment including teaching required for achievement of Level 5
· Understanding of the new RECD
· Improving the teaching of Scripture according to the requirements of the RECD
· Increasing depth in thinking and questioning of pupils
· Extending the repertoire of teaching and learning activities available to teachers
· Richer assessment opportunities
To support professional development provided by Educational Advisers, in 2012, the Diocese decided to provide a framework of teaching and learning to model exemplar practises. The content taught in these frameworks was taken from the Archbishop’s themes for the Year of Faith.
Following positive feedback from schools using these frameworks the Diocese has determined to continue their provision and to include three new areas of development:
· Higher order questioning
· Links to AT 2
· Direct information for pupils ‘KIP’ in the form of posters for display
· KIP – Key Information for Pupils
Schools are reminded that, in keeping with Diocesan policy, they are free to choose the Religious Education programme that best suits their needs. These frameworks are neither compulsory nor, in themselves, a programme of learning. Schools wishing to use these frameworks as the basis of their learning must make the necessary changes and adaptations to meet their school’s needs.
OverviewTopic Theme: From Advent to Christmas
This unit is intended as the second for the academic year 2013/2014 and the first of the Liturgical year, Year A. In keeping with the Liturgical year, this framework teaches the seasons of Advent and Christmas, according to the Gospel of Matthew.Key Teachings from the Catholic Tradition from the RECD Numbers in brackets refer to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
1.1.1. The Nature of Revelation: How Do We Know About God? (1-3,27-35)C. Divine Revelation (50-53,68-69)
1.2.5. The Shape of the Bible (120-130)
D. The Gospels
1.5.1. Jesus Christ, Son of God (422-679)
A. Mystery of the Incarnation: Emmanuel (God-is- with-us) (Jn 3:16-17; 484)
1.5.2. The Promise of a Messiah and the promise of redemption fulfilled in Jesus (422-451
G. The Gospels recognise Jesus as the fulfilment of the promise
1.5.3.The Mystery of the Incarnation (461-463)
A. The Word became flesh (the Incarnation) (525-528, 456-478)
B Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (464-469)
3.5.1. What is prayer? (2559-2565)
A The Church at prayer
3.5.2. A universal call (2566-2567)
A.God calls every individual to a vital relationship with him experienced in prayer (2558)
B. Developing intimacy and communion with Jesus Christ through prayer is an essential aspect in the life of a believer or disciple (CT, no. 5; GDC, no. 80; NDC, §19B; 2560)
D.Expressions of prayer can be vocal, meditative, or contemplative (2700-2724)
E.The forms of prayer are blessing, adoration, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise (2626-2649)
F.Prayer requires effort and commitment (2729-2745)
3.2.4. Liturgical year (1163-1171)
A. Seasons (1163-1165)
B. The Sabbath and the Lord’s Day (1166-1167)
C. The Liturgical Year (1168-1171)
D. The Sanctoral (1172-1173)
E. The Liturgy of the Hours (1174-1178)
Content Areas from the RECD Numbers in brackets refer to age groups
Pupils will learn about:Revelation:
· The main events, characters and places in the life of Jesus: Nativity (5-7)
· Stories of significant people in the Old and New Testament (5-7)
· The Gospel accounts of key events in the life of Jesus: The Nativity (7-11)
Church:
· Ways of belonging to the community (5-7)
· The ‘Church’ as the People of God made one by Jesus, a community which shares love and life (5-7)
· Ways of taking part in the life and worship of the domestic and local church (e.g. celebrating Eucharist, prayer for others, parish activities) (7-11)
· To being Church in the parish, diocese and universal Church (7-11)
· A variety of prayers and prayer forms, formal and informal used for personal and community prayer (7-11)
Celebration:
· The place and value of celebrations in family, school and parish (5-7)
· Some ways the church celebrates major seasons of the liturgical year (5-7)
· Prayers from Scripture and tradition (5-7)
· Ways in which people pray in church (5-7)
· Signs and symbols used by the Church (5-7)
· The Church’s celebrations of significant events in the life of Jesus (7-11)
· Community prayer (7-11)
· Signs and symbols and their significance in liturgy (7-11)
· A variety of prayers and prayer forms, formal and informal used for personal and community prayer (7-11)
Life in Christ:
· Passages in Scripture which express joy and trust in God’s love (5-7)
Dominant Strands from Levels of Attainment: AT 1 (i) and (ii)
This unit has been written to model linear teaching of AT 1(i) and AT 1(ii).Block 1 provides content for Levels 1 to 3; Block 2 for Levels 3 and 4
Teachers are reminded that completion of a ‘levelled’ activity does not automatically constitute achievement of that level and that both on-going and summative assessment should be used to judge the levels at which pupils are working.
Content of Blocks 1 and 2
Pupils will explore the season of Advent with particular focus on the Jesse tree and its links to the Gospel of Matthew. They will then learn about the O Antiphons, said as part of Evening Prayer during the seven days before December 24th. Pupils will finish by learning Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus.Outcomes of Blocks 1 and 2
Block 1: Pupils will recognise, describe and explain the ‘O’ Antiphons as part of the season of Advent (AT 1 (ii) Levels 1-3). They will become familiar with or retell Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus; Matthew 1:18-2:15 (AT 1 (i) Levels 1-2) and recall or identify the beliefs about God that are found in this text. (AT 1 (i) emerging or sound Level 3).Block 2: Pupils will describe and/or explain the meaning and purpose of the ‘O’ Antiphons as part of prayer ritual used during Advent using appropriate religious terminology. (AT 1 (ii) Level 4 and 5)
They will retell Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus (AT 1 (i) Level 2) and relate the titles for Jesus used by Matthew to belief in the Incarnation. (AT 1 (i) Level 3). Pupils will make links between the O Antiphons and Matthew’s Jewish audience (AT 1 (i) Level 4).
All pupils will pray the ‘O’ Antiphons.
Rich Assessment Opportunities
Block 1: Pupils choose and describe a symbol from the Jesse Tree. They tell the story of Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus ‘in the round’. Pupils discuss the titles of Jesus in Matthew’s Infancy Narrative.Block 2: Pupils respond to Kip’s Mum Blog. They tell Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus ‘in the round’ and complete a written piece of work.
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A Year of Faith / From Advent to Christmas / OverviewThe Year of Faith
Linking School, Parish and Home / Insert school
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Religious Education
Key Idea: From Advent to Christmas
This unit is intended as the second for the academic year 2013/2014 and the first of the Liturgical year, Year A. In keeping with the Liturgical year, this framework teaches the seasons of Advent and Christmas, according to the Gospel of Matthew.
Unit Content
In this unit pupils explore the season of Advent with particular focus on the Jesse tree and its links to the Gospel of Matthew. They will then learn about the O Antiphons, said as part of Evening Prayer on the seven days before December 24th. Pupils finish this unit by learning Matthew’s story of the birth of Jesus.
Attitudes and Spiritual Dispositions
It is hoped that pupils will develop:
· An appreciation of the gift of God’s presence born again into the world at Christmas
· An openness to the incarnation in their own lives
· An appreciation of the truths contained in Scripture
· A willingness to pray during Advent
Activities to try at home
You are the first educator of your child in faith. Your child’s learning in Religious Education will be much higher if you and the school are engaged in talking about the same ideas and beliefs. Help your child by trying one or more of these activities while this unit is being taught:
· Talk to your children about your plans and preparations for Christmas. Point out what is happening in your local community.
· Ask your children to share the prayers they are saying at school with you. Include them in your bedtime rituals.
An idea for prayer at home
Prayer Activity
Pray this litany at bedtime:
Into the darkness Come, Lord Jesus
Into the cold Come, Lord Jesus
Into our school Come, Lord Jesus
Into our homes Come, Lord Jesus
Into our hearts Come, Lord Jesus
Into our world Come, Lord Jesus
As we work Come, Lord Jesus
As we play Come, Lord Jesus
As we sleep Come, Lord Jesus
As we pray Come, Lord Jesus
As we wait Come, Lord Jesus
The Year of Faith / Lent and the Passion of Jesus
Block 1 – From Advent to Christmas. Year A
Suggested duration: 5-6 weeks
Cognitive Outcomes / Assessment Opportunities
Students will:
Block 1:
a. Recognise, describe and explain the ‘O’ Antiphons as part of the season of Advent (AT 1 (ii) Levels 1-3)
b. Become familiar with or retell Matthew’s account of the birth of Jesus; Matthew 1:18-2:15 (AT 1 (i) Levels 1-2)
c. Recall or identify the beliefs about God that are found in this text. (AT 1 (i) emerging or sound Level 3)
d. Pray the ‘O’ Antiphons / Include:
Outcomes a: Pupils choose and describe a symbol from the Jesse Tree
Outcome b: Pupils tell the story ‘in the round’.
Outcome c: Discussion about the titles of Jesus in Matthew’s Infancy narrative
Outcome d: Not assessed
Attitudes and Spiritual Dimensions
It is hoped that pupils will develop:
· An appreciation of the gift of God’s presence born again into the world at Christmas
· An openness to the incarnation in their own lives
· An appreciation of the truths contained in Scripture
· A willingness to pray during Advent
Key Language
Advent, Christmas, narrative, antiphon, liturgical year/calendar/seasons, Gospel, First Testament, family tree, Jesse Tree, Psalm, incarnation, Messiah, Emmanuel, Maranatha
Other Curriculum links
English: Comprehension of stories/Literacy strategies/Structure of Antiphons
Art: Creation of Jesse tree and symbol
Maths:
PSHE/SMSC: Personal Reflection on care of self and others as a response to belief that God is present in the world (the Incarnation)
IT: mind map, use of the internet
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Focus Question: What are ‘O’ Antiphons? How are they part of the season of Advent? AT 1 (ii)
This framework teaches content suitable for Year A, Advent and Christmas.
· Advent marks the beginning of the Liturgical Year. Find a Liturgical Calendar and explain how the Liturgical year works.
http://ocarm.org/en/sites/default/files/images/calendar.jpg
more complex one on:
http://ocarm.org/en/sites/default/files/images/liturgical_0.gif
or
http://www.mccrimmons.com/uploads/products/1992_1.jpg
Use the image to explain that, the readings we hear at Mass (at our Liturgy), follow the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and so the Liturgical year starts with Advent: the time of waiting for the birth of Jesus.
· Ask the pupils to find the Liturgical Season in which is their birthday.
· Establish pupil’s prior knowledge about Advent with a ‘human Y chart’ in the class or hall. Make the Y with masking tape, chalk or rope. Identify the three sections of the Y as ‘I know this about Advent’; ‘I think I know this about Advent’; I am not sure about this.’ Ask pupils move to the section they belong to as you quiz them:
o When do we celebrate Advent?
o What colour do we use during Advent?
o What is the meaning of the word ‘Advent’?
o For how long does Advent last?
o What comes at the end of Advent?
o What sort of things do we do during Advent?
o Why is Advent important?
· Use the information on KIT and KIP to explain aspects of Advent to pupils and to outline the work you will be covering.
Key Information for Teachers – See KIP also
Advent is the time of waiting before Christmas. It is a period of four weeks and begins four Sunday’s before Christmas, this year, 2013, this will be on December 1st.
The word “Advent” means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’. In Advent we thank God for coming into our world as Jesus and for what his life brings to us. Advent gives us time to get ready for Jesus so that our lives can reflect the love and joy that we feel at Christmas.
The liturgical colour for Advent is purple, and is characterised as a season of hope and expectation.