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Lesson 3 of 6
  • Year 6

The Christian Church in the West

I can explain what the Roman Catholic church is and what it means to different Catholics today.

Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
  • Year 6

The Christian Church in the West

I can explain what the Roman Catholic church is and what it means to different Catholics today.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The Roman Catholic Church refers to the global Christian denomination headed by the Pope in Rome.
  2. 25% of the world are Roman Catholic, just over 2 billion people.
  3. Roman Catholic churches are found around the world.
  4. Roman Catholics beliefs and practices are based around tradition and creeds.

Keywords

  • Creed - a concise statement summarising core Christian beliefs, often recited during worship services

  • Pope - the leader of the Roman Catholic church

  • Rosary - a set of prayers used primarily in the Catholic Church or a physical string of knots or beads used to count prayers

  • Roman Catholic - a Christian denomination led by the pope

Common misconception

All churches share exactly the same beliefs and history.

The Christian Church shares many similar beliefs but also has different beliefs and practices which have developed in different areas over time.


To help you plan your year 6 religious education lesson on: The Christian Church in the West, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Go on a visit to a local Roman Catholic church in your area, or invite a priest from the community in to talk with the class about how they practise their religion. Source pictures of different types of churches for your class to sort into Catholic and non-Catholic churches.
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Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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5 Questions

Q1.
The Orthodox churches are some of the most Christian churches.

Correct Answer: ancient, Ancient

Q2.
In which countries can you find Orthodox churches?

India, Pakistan and Bangladesh
Australia and New Zealand
Correct answer: Greece, Russia and Ukraine

Q3.
Orthodox Church can be found in the UK.

Correct Answer: communities, Communities

Q4.
Orthodox Christians show devotion to during services.

Correct Answer: icons, Icons

Q5.
Which of these is an example of an ancient language sometimes used in church?

English
Correct answer: Greek
German

Assessment exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Match each keyword to its meaning.

Correct Answer:Pope,is the leader of the Roman Catholic church

is the leader of the Roman Catholic church

Correct Answer:rosary,is a string of knots or beads used to count prayers

is a string of knots or beads used to count prayers

Correct Answer:creed,a concise statement summarising core Christian beliefs

a concise statement summarising core Christian beliefs

Q2.
Where is the Pope based?

Bucharest
London
Correct answer: Rome

Q3.
What percentage of the world is Roman Catholic?

75%
Correct answer: 25%
10%

Q4.
Roman Catholic churches are found all around the ...

Correct Answer: world, World

Q5.
What do most Christian churches share?

everything
the same bread
Correct answer: many core beliefs

Additional material

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