Inspiring RE: Sikhs

This book contains a wide range of teaching
ideas that will develop pupils’ knowledge and
understanding about Sikhs and Sikhism, the
world’s fifth largest religion. ‘Sikhism’ is a Western
word that is being used less frequently by British
Sikhs, many of whom prefer the word ‘Sikhi’; you
will find both terms used in this book.

For our younger pupils there are plenty of
opportunities for learning interactively about the
gurdwara and finding out about the significance
of the Guru Granth Sahib. Three stories about Guru
Nanak are introduced with activities to help pupils
focus on their meaning to Sikh people and the
impact of these stories on the lives of Sikhs.

Whilst most Sikhs live in India, approximately three
million live in other countries, with the UK being
home to the third-highest population of Sikhs in
the world. In this book we have collected and
shared the voices of a number of Sikh youngsters
to enable pupils to think about what it means to
be a Sikh in Britain today.

We are aware that many teachers focus on the
concept of sewa (selfless service) when teaching
about Sikhs, but it can be hard to find lesson ideas
above and beyond sewa in the langar (community
kitchen), so we have provided you with a variety
of other examples to use with older pupils. There
is also a focus on what it means to become a
member of the Khalsa.

Our double-page spread ‘Ready Steady RE’ gives
you a variety of additional ideas for teaching
about Sikhs, and you will find some extra handy
‘dos and don’ts’ on the final page.

This book is supported by some great eResources,
so please do check them out at www.natre.org.uk/
inspiring-re/ whilst you are planning your RE lessons.
We hope that this book inspires you and your class
to do some great teaching and learning about
Sikhs. Please do share any examples of pupils’
work with us as we always love to see them.