Exploring Carlo Acutis

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Year 6 pupils to the life and legacy of Carlo Acutis through a collaborative creative activity. Pupils will work in small groups to design a Pic Collage that depicts key aspects of his life, faith, and impact on the modern world. This is designed to foster deeper understanding of contemporary expressions of faith and inspire reflection on personal values in line with the Northern Ireland Curriculum's focus on religious education and personal development.

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Curriculum Links

Primary Religious Education, Levels 5-6 (Ages 10-11):

• Attainment Target 1 - Learning about Religion
  "Enable pupils to explore the beliefs, teachings, practices and ways of life in religion and relate these to their own experiences."

• Attainment Target 2 - Learning from Religion
  "Help pupils reflect on and respond to their own and others’ beliefs and values, recognising ways in which religion contributes to personal identity, relationships and the wider community."

• Key Areas Addressed: Beliefs and Moral Values, Reflection on Identity, Respect for Diversity and Difference.

• Cross-Curricular Skills: Communication, Using ICT, Working with Others

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Identify key events and values in the life of Carlo Acutis and explain their significance.
2. Collaborate effectively within a small group to design a multimedia collage.
3. Reflect on how faith can be expressed in modern life and relate this to their own beliefs or values.
4. Use ICT tools creatively to communicate information about a religious figure.

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Resources

• Tablets, laptops or desktop computers with internet access and collage-making apps (e.g., Pic Collage or equivalent)
• Printed reference materials or fact sheets about Carlo Acutis
• Projector/smartboard for whole-class introduction
• Worksheet with group roles and reflection prompts
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Start with a brief class discussion using the smartboard:
  • Ask: “Can anyone name a saint or a religious figure who lived recently?”
  • Introduce Carlo Acutis as a modern figure inspiring many young people today.
• Show a short, teacher-narrated slideshow outlining essential facts of his life, including:
  • His early devotion to the Eucharist
  • His love for technology and how he used it to share his faith
  • His illness and quick death at age 15
  • Beatification and his impact on young Catholics worldwide
• Link to the curriculum: highlight how this illustrates beliefs in action and values lived out in today’s world.

2. Group Work: Pic Collage Activity (35 minutes)

• Divide pupils into groups of 3 (total 9-10 groups). Assign roles within groups:
  • Researcher (uses fact sheets and internet resources)
  • Designer (creates the collage using the app)
  • Presenter (prepares to explain the collage to class)
• Pupils create a Pic Collage that includes:
  • Images and symbols related to Carlo Acutis’s life (photos, icons of the Eucharist, technology images)
  • Key words representing his values (faith, charity, technology, youth, holiness)
  • A brief text or quote attributed to Carlo Acutis summarising his message
• Teachers circulate, providing guidance on content and collaboration skills.

3. Group Presentations and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Each group presents their Pic Collage to the class (1 minute each).
• Teacher facilitates a brief whole-class reflection:
  • What qualities did Carlo Acutis demonstrate?
  • How can we live out our own beliefs today?
  • How does the story connect to our own experiences?

4. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Individual exit ticket: Each pupil writes one sentence about what they learned or a value they admire in Carlo Acutis.
• Teacher reviews for understanding, noting any misunderstandings for future follow-up.

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Assessment for Learning

• Formative:
  • Observation of group collaboration and ICT skills during Pic Collage activity.
  • Quality and accuracy of collage content assessed against fact sheets.
  • Oral presentation clarity and reflection responses.
• Summative:
  • Exit ticket sentences to assess individual understanding of values and learning outcomes.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide fact sheets tailored to varying reading levels.
• Assign roles flexibly so pupils can play to strengths or build new skills.
• Offer additional ICT support or pre-printed images for pupils with limited technology access or challenges.
• Encourage peer support within groups.

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Cross-Curricular Opportunities

• ICT: Use of digital creativity tools fosters technological literacy.
• English: Developing communication skills through presentations and reflection writing.
• Personal Development: Encourages empathy, respect, and self-awareness.

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Teacher Notes

• Prepare reference materials in advance, ensuring factual accuracy and age-appropriate content.
• Set clear expectations for respectful listening and collaboration.
• Encourage pupils to think critically about how faith and technology can coexist positively today.
• Consider extending learning by introducing pupils to other contemporary religious figures or saints in subsequent lessons.

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This innovative, pupil-centred lesson uses modern technology and group collaboration to explore faith in a contemporary context, perfectly meeting the Northern Ireland Curriculum aims for a meaningful Religious Education experience.