Ten Must Know Bible Stories coming to every primary school in Scotland
Published on 9 September 2019
A north-east church has launched new resources to help primary school children to learn about the bible.
Following the success of 10 Must Know Bible Stories, Sue Thomson, a schools worker at St Columba's Church of Scotland in Bridge of Don, has developed the concept further.
Created through a three-year partnership with local schools, it includes ideas for outdoor learning, exploring values, cross curricular links and story-telling through creative visuals.
Ms Thomson said: "10 Must Know Bible Stories is an easy-to-use toolkit for teachers throughout Scotland.
"The learning goals include to provide children with an understanding of Christian belief and to involve children as active participants encouraging them to respectfully and thoughtfully explore how faith and belief affect the world they live in.
"Pupils and teachers from primary schools in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, have helped to develop the programme over the last three years.
"It includes ideas for dramatic story-telling of 10 much loved bible stories such as Noah's Ark, David and Goliath and the parables of Jesus.
"The lesson plans outline activities which will help children to discover Christian belief for themselves as well as encouraging discussion and reflection on their own beliefs and values.
"The resources provide clear links across the curriculum particularly to literacy and health and wellbeing.
"Much of the learning was conducted outdoors and the children love it!
"Feedback from pupils and teachers has been outstanding."
As part of a partnership with the project, the Scottish Bible Society have commissioned stunning artwork to accompany the programme.
They have provided further support by creating a website allowing the 10 Must Know Bible Stories resources to be shared across Scotland benefiting hundreds more schools and children.
Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "I am delighted to hear of this new resource and for the co-operation between the Church and different organisations that lies behind it.
"We can never over-estimate the power of stories and the stories chosen would, at one time, have been familiar to every primary school child in Scotland.
"I hope this resource helps a new generation become familiar with parts of the greatest story ever told."
10 Must Know Bible Stories is supported by several grant bodies including the Go For It Fund of the Church of Scotland.
Go to the 10 Must Know Bible Stories website.
