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Lesson 4 of 6
  • Year 6

The history and work of The Salvation Army

I can describe the history and work of The Salvation Army.

Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
  • Year 6

The history and work of The Salvation Army

I can describe the history and work of The Salvation Army.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The Salvation Army was started by William and Catherine Booth, at a time of great poverty in the 19th century.
  2. William's motto for the Salvation Army was 'Soup, Soap and Salvation'. Today, its motto is 'Blood and Fire'.
  3. Today The Salvation Army works to support those in need alongside sharing the Christian faith.
  4. It provides support through providing shelter, food and help in disasters, alongside fighting injustice.
  5. An important part of its ministry is music, with hymns played by a band.

Keywords

  • The Salvation Army - a Christian church and charity that helps people in need

  • Salvationists - people who belong to The Salvation Army

  • Officer - a leader in The Salvation Army, who runs a local centre, leads worship, and organises help for the community

  • Soldier - an ordinary member of The Salvation Army who promises to live a Christian life and help others

  • Corps - the name The Salvation Army uses for its churches

Common misconception

The Salvation Army is just a charity.

The Salvation Army is a church and a charity.


To help you plan your year 6 religious education lesson on: The history and work of The Salvation Army, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use The Salvation Army's website to arrange a visit to a local corps. The Salvation Army have materials and resources on the schools section of their website that can be used to enhance lessons on this topic. You could look up band and songster music from The Salvation Army with your class.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
Christians believe that is the Son of God.

Correct Answer: Jesus

Q2.
Christians pray to show love for the father.

Correct Answer: God

Q3.
What is the Christian holy book?

the Torah
the Quran
Correct answer: the Bible

Q4.
Where do most Christians worship?

Correct answer: church
mosque
temple

Q5.
What does Easter celebrate?

Jesus being born
Correct answer: Jesus coming back to life
The Ten Commandments

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
An important part of The Salvation Army’s ministry is . Hymns are played by a band.

Correct Answer: music, Music

Q2.
The Salvation Army helps people and shares the message of God's ...

Correct Answer: love, Love

Q3.
Who started The Salvation Army?

Queen Victoria
Correct answer: William and Catherine Booth
Charles Dickens

Q4.
What was William Booth’s motto?

Correct answer: Soup, Soap and Salvation
Peace and Prayers
Help and Hope

Q5.
The Salvation Army is just a charity.

True - It only helps people and gives donations.
False - It is a music club.
Correct answer: False - It is a church and a charity.