INTRODUCTION reflective approach to life through shared human experiences and

responsibilities.
The Upper Primary Religious and Moral Education syllabus is
presented according to two areas of learning thus: learning about The young generation is challenged by the uncertainties of
religion and learning about morality. Through learning about transformation such as moral decline, family breakdown, prevalence
religions, the pupils will acquire basic knowledge and understanding of corruption, dynamism of culture, etc. Our education system needs
of religions in Botswana. The knowledge about religion will be religious and moral base lest the nation lose direction
acquired from learning about the history of religions studied and the
main elements of those religions.
AIMS OF THE UPPER PRIMARY RELIGIOUS AND MORAL
Through learning from morality learners will be able to reflect on EDUCATION
and respond to what they experience in life. The shared human
experiences are approached through moral life which guides learners On completion of the three years of Upper Primary Education,
to discover and develop a set of values and attitudes that embody a learners should:
sense of responsibility towards self, others and the natural world.
Since there are many spheres that treat morality as a different entity 1. develop desirable attributes and such as assertiveness, self-
from religion, it is necessary to separate the concepts into different esteem, open-mindedness, respect for the environment and
subjects, but at this level, it is imperative to teach both at the same for one’s own life;
time to allow for a broad based selection of other learning areas. 2. understand the contribution of Botswana culture on the
spread of HIV and AIDS
RATIONALE 3. appreciate the contribution of religion in the formation of
values and behaviour patterns;
Human beings have always engaged in religious practices that need 4. develop an understanding on human and animal rights.
to be developed for an enhanced understanding of themselves and 5. make judgements on moral issues that will prepare them for
the environment. Every society has a culture; and cultural values responsible social life
have to be transmitted from one generation to the other. Religion and 6. understand various challenges of life such as orphan hood
morals are important elements of any culture. It has always been and destitute hood;
perceived that morality arises from religion and draws its content 7. understand the nature of crime and punishment, and be able
from the same. The Religious and Moral Education syllabus to avoid crime;
develops and informs the conscience of learners, and helps them to 8. understand the law on corporal punishment;
develop the skills and attitudes that will enable them to make sound 9. show positive attitudes towards other people, respecting their
moral choices. rights to hold different beliefs from their own
10. show ability to make reasoned and informed judgements
The syllabus has been designed to meet the broad educational aims about religious and moral issues
of the ten-year basic education programme. Religious and Moral 11. show understanding of the influence of the main elements
Education contributes to the development of individuals who are of religion on the individual and communities
responsible citizens and can make autonomous decisions. The key
role of the syllabus will be to bring together learners’ home and
community experiences with key aspects of religion and moral life.
It is also envisaged that the programme will foster in learners a

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 10. appreciate and understand religious symbolism so that they can
ATTAINMENT TARGETS cope with modern changes in the society.

11. reflect on the effect of different religions on societal moral

At the end of the three years of upper primary education, issues.
learners should be able to:- 12. understand and have ability to practice desirable moral standards
that will enable them to interact with and have responsible
1. exhibit an understanding of the importance of preserving family and community life.
and strengthening moral, cultural and spiritual values in 13. understand and appreciate the role religion plays in forming
Botswana. values and positive behaviour patterns.
2. demonstrate an awareness of their rights and responsibilities
as Botswana citizens.
3. appreciate and acquire knowledge, values, positive attitudes and TIME ALLOCATION
understanding of the need to accept different religions of the
world. According to recommendations put forward, the following time
4. show awareness of the effects of morals and different religions allocation has been suggested.
of the world in the society.
5. show awareness of the emerging issues such as HIV/AIDS, Standard 5 to 7 2 hours per week
Environmental Education, Population / Family Life Education
and how they relate to different cultures, morals and religions.
6. demonstrate that they have acquire critical and logical thinking
problem solving and inquiry skills pertaining to their morals, ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
culture, values and different religions of the world.
7. recognize and appreciate different beliefs and practices as well as The upper Primary Religious and Moral Education will be
examining and exploring arguments for and against them so as to assessed through a variety of continuous assessment techniques to
effect tolerance and harmonious relationships among different ensure that the set aims and objectives are attained. Assignments,
people so that they live positively within their society. and test will be used to assess the progress and to improve
8. treat human, plant and animal life with respect, tolerance and instruction.
patience.
9. respect and tolerate other beliefs and religions which are
different from their own. At the end of the three years a final examination will be administered
by the Examination Research and Testing.

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 STANDARD 5

MODULE 1: INTRODUCTION TO RELIGION AND MORALITY

Unit 1: Introduction to Religion
Topics General Objective Specific Objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Faith 1.1.1 Understand different religion in 1.1.1.1 Explain religion
Communities Botswana 1.1.1.2 Name world religions represented in Botswana
Religions to be 1.1.1.3 Identify the key religious founders
covered are 1.1.1.4 Describe ways in which members of different religion express their
African religious identity
Traditional 1.1.1.5 Discuss the origins and meanings of some symbols in religions studied
Religion ATR 1.1.1.6 State major common elements found in the religions in Botswana
Christianity, 1.1.1.7 Explain distinctive features of African Traditional Religion and any other
Islam, religion
Buhhism, 1.1.1.8 Discuss the different understanding of God in world religions covered
Bahai Faith 1.1.1.9 Discuss the contributions of world religions represented in Botswana
Hinduism, and 1.1.1.10 Investigate the importance of understanding other religions
Sikhism
Unit 2: Introduction to Morality
Topic General objectives Specific objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
2.1 Introduction to 2. 1.1 Understand the concept of morality 2.1.1.1 Explain morality
morality 2.1.1.2 Identify morally right actions in their society
2.1.1.3 Give examples of morally wrong actions in their society
2.1.1.4 Assess the behaviour of people in the society today
2.1.2 Explore moral values 2.1.2.1 Distinguish between moral values and other values
2.1.2.2 Name at least five moral values
2.1.2.3 Explain different ways in which moral values can be in conflict
2.1.3 Understand decision-making 2.1.3.1 Distinguish between a good and a bad decision
2.1.3.2 Discuss the results of making a good and a bad choice
2.1.3.3 Discuss the importance of being responsible for the choices they make
MODULE 2: HUMAN EXPERIENCES
Unit 1: Self concept
Topic General Objectives Specific Objectives
Learners will be able to: Learners will be able to:
1.1 Self-esteem 1.1.1 Develop self-esteem 1.1.1.1 Define self-esteem
1.1.1.2 Distinguish between high and low self-esteem
1.1.1.3 Discuss the importance of having a high self-esteem
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 1.1.1.4 Discuss disadvantages of low self-esteem
1.1.1.5 Explain how to improve on their negative characteristics
1.2 Self confidence 1.2.1 Appreciate themselves 1.1.1.6 Explain strategies of improving confidence in oneself
1.1.1.7 State reasons for knowing oneself
1.1.1.8 Discuss autonomy
1.1.1.9 Investigate why one needs to act autonomously
1.1.1.10 Discuss the importance of accepting themselves as they are
Unit 2: Relationships
Topic General Objectives Specific Objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
2.1 Group identity 2.1.1 Understand the value of belonging to 2.1.1.1 Describe a group
a group 2.1.1.2 Identify different groups in the society
2.1.1.3 Explain the importance of belonging to a group
2.1.1.4 State values that are important to the groups they belong to
2.1.1.5 Discuss the need for respect in a group
2.2 Interpersonal 2.2.1 Understand and appreciate the 2.2.1.1 Discuss ways of relating well with others
relationships importance of interpersonal 2.2.1.2 Explain types of relationships that have special significance to them
relationships 2.2.1.3 State behaviours that can lead to negative effects on relationships
2.2.1.4 State behaviours that can lead to positive effects on relationships
2.2.1.5 Explain how behaviour can destroy or nurture relationships
2.2.1.6 Explain how perceptions of others can destroy or nurture relationships
2.2.1.7 Discuss why relationships are important in their lives
2.2.1.8 Analyse how sharing builds relationships
2.2.1.9 Discuss the need for forgiveness and reconciliation in relationships
2.2 Peer pressure 2.2.2 Understand ways of dealing with 2.2.2.1 Identify peer groups
peer pressure 2.2.2.2 Discuss ways of dealing with peer pressure
2.2.2.3 Discuss the importance of being able to make independent decisions
2.2.2.4 Evaluate peer pressure
2.3 Positive living 2.3.1 Understand that one can live 2.3.1.1 Name organisations that exercise practical care for others
positively with HIV and AIDS 2.3.1.2 State different ways in which people can care for others.
2.3.1.3 Give reasons for caring for people in need
2.3.1.4 State different ways in which people with HIV and AIDS can take care of
themselves and others.
2.3.1.5 State values that are promoted through home and community care
2.3.1.6 Investigate the role played by religious organisations in Botswana to
support people living with HIV and AIDS
2.3.1.7 Discuss how HIV and AIDS prevention can be promoted through
religious values.

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2.4 Orphan hood 2.3.2 Understand the state of being an 2.3.2.1 Explain orphan hood
and destitution orphan 2.3.2.2 Discuss issues related to death of a parent
2.3.2.3 Suggest ways of showing responsibility and protection over inheritance
2.3.2.4 Describe ways in which orphans can protect themselves against abuse
2.3.3 Appreciate the importance of taking 2.4.2.1 Explain how different people in their community help the orphans
care of orphans 2.4.2.2 Name religious and other organisations in Botswana that help orphans
2.4.2.3 Discuss the role of organisations that help orphans in Botswana
2.4.2.4 Discuss problems associated with orphan hood
2.4.2.5 Suggest ways of dealing with problems associated with orphan hood
2.4.2.6 Discuss problems and advantages of fitting in a new family in adoption
2.4.2.7 Investigate the contribution made by different religions towards the
underprivileged
2.4.3 Recognise the need to care for 2.4.3.1 Discuss ways in which individuals should show care for destitutes
destitutes 2.4.3.2 Explain ways in which the government of Botswana helps destitutes
2.4.3.3 Discuss any religious stories that express care for the needy
MODULE 3: RELIGIOUS KEY ELEMENTS
Unit 1: Material Dimensions
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Sacred Places 1.1.1 Gain knowledge about the 1.1.1.1 List places regarded as sacred from different religious
ATR, importance of sacred places to the 1.1.1.2 Identify natural land marks which are regarded as sacred in Botswana
Christianity, religious communities 1.1.1.3 State sacred land marks which are of human creation.
Islam, and 1.1.1.4 Discuss how the sacredness of the places affect the environment
Buddhism 1.1.1.5 Describe the main beliefs about sacred places
1.1.1.6 Make links between features of sacred places and the beliefs they express in
any religion
1.1.1.7 Explain the influence sacred places have in the lives of the community
1.1.1.8 Discuss activities taking place in the sacred places.
1.1.1.9 Narrate stories and activities attached to sacred places.
1.1.1.10 Analyse the contribution of sacred places to Botswanas' economy
1.1.1.9 Discuss moral values attached to sacred places
1.1.2.0 Investigate the factors that threaten the sacred places
1.2 Religious 1.2.1 Understand religious objects 1.2.1.1 Describe the different religious objects used in worship from any religion
Objects 1.2.1.2 Discuss the significance of religious objects to the believer
1.2.1.3 Identify personal religious objects
1.2.1.4 Discuss the importance of religious objects in the life of the community
1.2.1.5 Investigate how ritual objects are used and kept
1.2.1.6 Analyse the symbolism of various objects used in different religions
1.2.1.9 Investigate items used for offering sacrifices
1.1.2 Appreciate religious pilgrimage 1.2.2.1 State the different places of pilgrimage for any three religions

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 1.2.1.2 Describe the religious pilgrimage of any religion in Botswana
1.2.1.3 Investigate reasons for religious pilgrimages
1.2.1.4 Discuss the effects of pilgrimage on the participants
1.2.1.5 Analyse the impact of pilgrimage on the environment
1.2.1.6 Discuss moral values expressed during pilgrimage
MODULE 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Unit 1: Human rights
Topic General Objectives Specific Objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Human rights 1.1.1 Know the relationship between 1.1.1.1 Discuss the implication of the right to health
and health health and human rights 1.1.1.2 Explain the responsibilities of the sick people over their rights
1.1.1.3 Examine the importance of proper litter disposal in relation to the right to
health
1.1.1.4 Discuss traditional practices that show violation of human rights
1.1.1.5 Evaluate the moral religious implications of traditional practices that violate
human rights
1.1.1.6 Analyse the concept of equal rights in different religions

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 STANDARD 6

MODULE 2: HUMAN EXPERIENCES

Unit 1: HIV and AIDS in Botswana
Topic General Objectives Specific objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Culture, HIV 1.1.1 Understand the contribution of 1.1.1.1 State traditional customs that can help in the prevention of HIV and AIDS
and AIDS Botswana culture towards the spread 1.1.1.2 Discuss traditional customs that can increase the spread of HIV and AIDS
and prevention of HIV/AIDS 1.1.1.3 Analyse cultural myths about HIV/AIDS
1.2 Morals in 1.2.1 Examine the influence of morals in 1.2.1.1 Describe human behaviour considered as morally good and morally bad in
Botswana the behaviour of an individual Botswana society
traditional 1.2.1.2 Discuss the significance of morals in Botswana society.
society 1.2.1.3 Explain the benefits of a morally good behaviour in the society
Unit 2: Crime and Punishment
Topic General Objectives Specific objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
2.1 Crime 2.1.1 Understand the concept of crime 2.1.1.1 Explain crime
2.1.1.2 Discuss reasons for breaking the law
2.1.1.3 Discuss the consequences of breaking the law
2.1.1.4 Discuss ways of reducing crime in Botswana
2.1.1.5 Explain different ways in which people break religious laws
2.1.1.6 Explain the immorality of crime in terms of the values and principles of
religion
2.1.1.7 Investigate what different religions do to deter criminals
2.1.2 Understand juvenile delinquency 2.1.2.1 Identify factors that can lead to juvenile delinquency
2.1.2.2 Discuss the moral implications of juvenile delinquency
2.1.2.3 Investigate ways of dealing with juvenile delinquency in different religions
and in the society
2.2 Punishment 2.2.1 Understand punishment 2.2.1.1 Explain the importance of punishment
2.2.1.2 Evaluate the way students are punished
2.2.1.3 Discuss how different cultures and religions deal with punishment

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MODULE 3: KEY ELEMENTS
UNIT 1: Practical and Ritual Dimensions
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Learners should be able: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Religious 1.1.1 Appreciate different ways of 1.1.1.1 State special occasions celebrated in any three religious
Festivals celebrating festivals in different 1.1.1.2 Explain elements common to both secular and religious celebrations
religions 1.1.1.3 Discuss the stories and customs associated with some major religious
festivals.
1.1.1.4 Describe special religious ceremonies marking key event of religious
founders
1.1.1.5 Describe beliefs that underlie religious festivals
1.1.1.6 Investigate the importance of festivals to the believer.
1.1.1.7 Assess the influence of religious festivals on the community
1.2 Religious 1.2.1 Explore different forms of religious 1.2.1.1 Explain the meaning of worship
worship worship 1.2.1.2 Discuss different ways worship is expressed in any religion
1.2.1.3 Discuss rituals associated with worship in any two religions
1.2.1.4 Give reasons for worship in any religion
1.2.1.5 Discuss the general characteristics of religious worship
1.2.1.6 Discuss the significance of artefats used in worship
1.2.1.7 Investigate different ways of worship practised in the local community

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MODULE 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Unit 1: Children’s Rights and Responsibilities
Topic General Objectives Specific Objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Children’s rights 1.1.1 Understand children’s rights and 1.2.1.1 Identify at least five children’s rights
responsibilities 1.2.1.2 Discuss responsibilities of a child on each of the rights
1.2.1.3 Justify actions that they think are children’s rights violations in Botswana
1.2 Child 1.2.1 Understand child abandonment 1.2.1.1 Discuss causes of child abandonment
abandonment 1.2.1.2 Discuss moral and religious implications of child abandonment
1.2.1.3 Identify different organisations that take custody of abandoned children
1.2.1.4 Assess different ways in which the government helps the abandoned
children
1.2.2 Understand the importance of 1.2.2.1 Give examples of responsible parenting
responsible parenting 1.2.2.2 Discuss the importance of being taken care of as a child
1.2.2.3 Identify places where negligence of children by their parents can be
reported
1.3 Corporal 1.3.1 Explore corporal punishment 1.3.1.1 Discuss corporal punishment as a means of correcting behaviour
punishment 1.3.1.2 Discuss corporal punishment as a form of abuse
1.3.1.3 Investigate the law pertaining to corporal punishment in schools
1.3.1.4 Discuss moral implications of corporal punishment

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 STANDARD 7

MODULE 2: HUMAN EXPERIENCES

Unit 1: Social Responsibility
Topic General objectives Specific objectives
Learners should be able to Learners should be able to:
1.1 Caring 1.1.1 Demonstrate care for others 1.1.1.1 Express the need to accept others
1.1.1.2 State positive ways of relating to the sick and HIV positive people
1.1.1.3 List organisations that care for people
1.1.1.4 Discuss roles of welfare services in Botswana
1.2 Choices and 1.2.1 Appreciate the freedom to choose 1.2.1.1 Identify choices they are able to make as children.
consequences 1.2.1.2 Discuss the importance of making an informed decision before making a
choice
1.2.1.3 Evaluate choices made by an individual
1.2.1.4 Recognise the importance of learning from experience
1.2.1.5 Discuss how one’s choices can benefit the society.
MODULE 3: RELIGIOUS KEY ELEMENTS
UNIT 1: Ethical and legal Dimensions
Topics General Objectives Specific Objectives
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Rites and Rules 1.1.1 Explore stages of life as celebrated in 1.1.1.1 Recall key stages in a persons life
in religion different religions 1.1.1.2 Describe a religious ceremony marking a key time in the followers of that
religion
1.1.1.3 Analyse the different ceremonies and rituals marking the rites of passage
1.1.1.4 Describe the symbolism of ceremonies marking the different stages of life.
1.1.1.5 Discuss how religious communities express identity through rites of
passage.
1.1.1.6 Discuss key religious teachings in the rights of passage.
1.1.1.7 Describe the believes and values contained in the rites of passage
1.1.1.8 Discuss how religious communities affirm beliefs and values through the
rites of passage.
1.2 Religious laws 1.2.1 Analyse religious codes of conduct 1.2.1.1 Discuss rules governing different religions
to modern life 1.2.1.3 Analyse the validity and relevance of religious codes in modern society
1.2.1.5 Investigate how religious laws can help in shaping the society

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MODULE 4: RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Unit 1: Animal Rights
Topic General objective Specific objective
Learners should be able to: Learners should be able to:
1.1 Animals 1.1.1 Appreciate the rights of animals 1.1.1.1 Discuss cruelty to animals and its consequences
1.1.1.2 Evaluate cruelty to animals by pastoral farmers
1.1.1.3 Explain the contribution of religions in protecting animal life
1.1.1.4 Discuss how religious practices can be cruel to animals

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