The Must-Know Bible Stories Coming to Every Primary School in Scotland

 The most substantial and significant portfolio of resources for teaching Religious & Moral Education (RME) in recent years was launched in Aberdeen (Saturday, 7 September) at a conference for teachers and educationalists.

10 Must Know Bible Stories (10MKBS) is a bank of resources developed by Sue Thomson, a Schools Worker based at St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Bridge of Don. Created through a three-year partnership with local schools, it includes ideas for outdoor learning, exploring values, cross curricular links and story-telling through creative visuals.

Every child in Scotland will benefit from this free package of 60 new story-based lessons.

Sue Thomson, Schools Worker, based at St Columba’s Church of Scotland, Bridge of Don, said, “10 Must Know Bible Stories is an easy-to-use toolkit for teachers throughout Scotland. The learning goals include to provide children with an understanding of Christian belief and to involve children as active participants encouraging them to respectfully and thoughtfully explore how faith and belief affect the world they live in.  

“Pupils and teachers from Primary schools in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, have helped to develop the programme over the last three years. It includes ideas for dramatic story-telling of 10 much loved bible stories such as Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath and the parables of Jesus. The lesson plans out line activities which will help children to discover Christian belief for themselves as well as encouraging discussion and reflection on their own beliefs and values. The resources provide clear links across the curriculum particularly to literacy and health and wellbeing.  Much of the learning was conducted outdoors and the children love it! Feedback from pupils and teachers has been outstanding.”

‘Anna Royle, Headteacher of Greenbrae Primary school commented, “This is a fantastic resource which has already been tried and tested in our school.  We are looking forward to using it in more classes this session.”

Class teachers and pupils have been equally as enthusiastic:

“The 10 MKBS resources allow for deep thinking and discussion around beliefs and they encourage pupils to think for themselves while exploring their own beliefs.” (Class teacher)

“The pupils adore the lessons and love the discussion, games based approach to lessons.  The pupils also enjoy the outdoor learning element to the lessons.” (Class teacher)

“The discussions were exciting. I liked hearing what other people were thinking” (Pupil)

“I learned that you should forgive people” (Pupil)

The Scottish Bible Society partnering with 10 MKBS have commissioned stunning artwork to accompany the programme which can be found at www.bibleworld.co.uk. They have further supported the project by creating a website allowing the 10MKBS resources to be shared across Scotland benefiting hundreds more schools and children.

The 10 Must Know Bible Stories website can be found at www.tenbiblestories.org

The project is supported by several grant bodies including the Go For It Fund of the Church of Scotland.

Rt Rev Colin Sinclair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said:  “I am delighted to hear of this new resource and for the co-operation between the Church and different organisations that lies behind it.

“We can never over-estimate the power of stories and the stories chosen would, at one time, have been familiar to every primary school child in Scotland.

“I hope this resource helps a new generation become familiar with parts of the greatest story ever told.”

For Further Information contact:

Sue Thomson

Schools’ Worker

10 Must Know Bible Stories Project

Tel: 07967 393714

The 60 story-based lessons explore these 10 Bible Stories:

• Creation
• Noah’s Ark
• The 10 Commandments
• David and Goliath
• Daniel and the Lions
• The birth of Jesus
• The parable of the Prodigal Son
• Jesus feed the 5000
• The parable of the Good Samaritan
• The death and resurrection of Jesus

Headline photo:

• Pupils from Bridge of Don primary schools, who helped shape the programme, each display one letter to make up the 10MKBS logo.
• Vincent Docherty, Head of Education, Aberdeenshire
• Mhairi Shewan, Education Support Officer, Aberdeen
• Sue Thomson, Programme Founder, 10 MKBS

Photos in post: Pupils from Bridge of Don Primary schools enjoying using the 10MKBS resources.