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Christian rites of passage: baptism

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how people celebrate important times in life with ceremonies, such as baptism and dedication in Christianity.

Key learning points

  1. Many people identify that there are different stages in a person's life.
  2. Many religions mark different stages with ceremonies, such as becoming an adult.
  3. Some Christians mark the birth of a baby with a ceremony of infant baptism or dedication.
  4. These ceremonies welcome a new baby into the Christian faith and are the same for boys and girls.

Keywords

  • Ceremony - a special event to celebrate something important

  • Rites of passage - special events that show someone is growing up or moving to a new part of life

  • Baptism - a Christian ceremony where water is used to welcome someone into the church

  • Dedication - a Christian ceremony where parents thank God for their baby and promise to care for them

Common misconception

Everybody marks the same stages in a person's life.

Different cultures and religions identify different stages. There are some similarities but also differences.

Teacher tip

Use images from diverse religious and non-religious groups to explore how babies are welcomed and life stages are marked. Pupils can share photos or items from their own experiences, and a religious or community leader can be invited in to explain key ceremonies.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
Who do Christians believe is the Son of God?

Correct answer: Jesus
Moses
Krishna

Q2.
The Christian holy book is called the ...

Correct Answer: Bible, bible

Q3.
What is the name of the Hindu festival of lights?

Christmas
Correct answer: Diwali
Eid

Q4.
What symbol is often used in Judaism?

Cross
Om
Correct answer: Star of David

4 Questions

Q1.
What is a rite of passage?

a special meal shared with friends
a rule from the Bible
Correct answer: a celebration of life stages

Q2.
Rites of passage in Christianity are for both boys and ...

Correct Answer: girls, Girls

Q3.
Some Christians welcome a with a baptism ceremony.

Correct Answer: baby, Baby

Q4.
What happens at a dedication ceremony?

Correct answer: parents thank God and promise to raise their child as a Christian
water is used to baptise the child
the child promises to be a Christian

To help you plan your 3 religious education lesson on: Christian rites of passage: baptism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...