Year 10 students have carried out a research activity in Religious Education focused on lesser-known Christian celebrations. Through this work, students were able to discover traditions rich in history, culture and values, often linked to patron saints, important events for a community or specific ways of living faith in different places. Project objectiveThe main purpose of this activity was for students to understand the importance of Christian celebrations as an expression of religious, cultural and community identity. Through their research, students analysed how many of these festivities preserve customs, music, processions, family gatherings and forms of social participation that help keep each place’s cultural roots alive. The activity also encouraged reflection on the values these traditions convey, such as solidarity, respect, faith, unity among people and a sense of belonging to a community. In this way, students were able to connect the study of religious festivities with their historical, cultural and ethical dimension, recognising how this learning can also be applied in daily life. IB learner profile attributes developedThis project fosters several IB learner profile attributes, including: Inquirers, as students research lesser-known Christian celebrations and explore their origin, meaning and evolution; Knowledgeable, as they learn about religious traditions linked to different communities and cultural contexts; Thinkers, as they analyse the meaning of these festivities and the values conveyed through their customs; Communicators, as they organise the information gathered and present it clearly, coherently and accessibly; Open-minded, as they approach different religious and cultural expressions with respect and curiosity; and Reflective, as they consider the importance of traditions and their relationship with daily life, coexistence and community identity. Approaches to Learning (ATL) skillsThroughout the activity, students developed important Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills: research skills, including searching for, selecting and organising relevant information about Christian celebrations, patron saints, customs and local traditions; critical thinking skills, through the analysis of the origin, meaning and cultural value of the festivities studied; communication skills, by presenting information clearly, using appropriate language and a coherent structure; social skills, through respect for different cultural and religious expressions and an understanding of their importance for the communities that celebrate them; and self-management skills, through planning their work, organising information and producing a final reflection on what they had learnt. Through this activity, we aim to help students understand that religious celebrations are not only festive events but also spaces for memory, identity and the transmission of values. Through them, communities keep their roots alive, strengthen their bonds and express a shared way of understanding faith, culture and coexistence. Kind regards,Religious Education Department
