Hi I'm Simran. I'm 11 and my religion is Sikhism. I'll be doing video diaries for the next week. And they might not be good but they're video diaries.
Hi Dad. Can you see me?
Hi it's me again. How do I switch this off?
My favourite things include music and books. I like reading because it's like I can get engrossed in a book and I just… It's like you get taken to a whole new world. So I enjoy like doing arts and crafts of stuff like that. So me and my little brother Subegh decorated them. Subegh my little brother is a bit of a like Curious George kind of thing. He runs around and mucks about but he's a little angel as well.
Don't hit the camera. Come on!
SHE SINGS
I love playing my euphonium because it's something new for me to play and everything.
Oh I messed up. Subegh stop messing with it.
I will do it.
My dog's name is Tyson. If you call him and he's lying down or something he won't be botheredto come sometimes. And sometimes he'll come running.
I'm proud to be a Sikh because wherever you go even if you don't know the person they're really welcoming towards you. They treat you like you're theirbrother or you're their sister you're related to them or something and it's really nice. We've been taught to donate share work an honest life and be equal to all. I feel like really blessed to see people helping each other and putting aside differences that they have and I'm just really proud to be a Sikh when I see the things that people do to help.
Video summary
Simran is 11 and is a proud Sikh. She likes to read and play the euphonium.
Her favourite things are music and books. She tells us that she is proud to be a Sikh because all the Sikhs are like a brotherhood and sisterhood, so it's a blessing to learn that Sikhs are to serve one another and all humanity.
This introductory clip is about identity and community, two big RE themes.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could be asked if they could show their life as a jigsaw of 6 pieces, fitted together, what six things they would put onto each of the pieces? Self? Family? Friends? Pets? Particular places? Favorite foods? Sports? Top films or books? A hobby they love? An ambition? Ask them to make this jigsaw and expand beyond 6 pieces if they wish.
Talk about how our identities are made up of the things we love, care about, give time to and enjoy.
Ask them to watch this clip of Simran and make her jigsaw. What are the different things that make up her identity?
Discuss with the class the fact that some people have a strong religious identity, but for others different things matter. Consider these questions:
How much is our identity to do with other people, with our community?How and why does our identity change and grow?Are beliefs and values important in our identity?
This would also be a good opportunity to get your pupils thinking about the video they would make if, like Simran, they had been given a video diary opportunity. How would they express their sense of identity and belonging?
This topic will be relevant to teaching Religious Education at KS2 or KS3 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 2 or 3 in Scotland.
What is Sikhism? video
Eleven-year-old Simran introduces the Sikh religion and describes the key beliefs and practices in following the Sikh way of life.
Taking Amrit. video
Two Sikh boys called Taren and Jovan join the Sikh Khalsa by taking part in the special Sikh ceremony, which is called taking Amrit.
The Five Ks of Sikhism. video
Two Sikh boys called Taran and Joven explain the five Ks that they wear as members of the Sikh Khalsa.
The Gurdwara. video
Simran, aged 11, describes the Sikh place of worship which is called the Gurdwara.
The Guru Granth Sahib. video
Simran, aged 11, explains the importance of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Khalsa. video
Simran, aged 11, tells the story of the founding of the Sikh Khalsa 300 years ago.
The Ten Gurus. video
Simran, aged 11, explains who the Ten Gurus are and why they are important to those who follow Sikhism.
Vaisakhi. video
Simran, aged 11, takes us to the Vaisakhi celebrations and parade in her hometown of Birmingham.
