I'm Head of Department and AQA examiner for Religious Studies. I teach the AQA spec and provide tried and tested resources. I'm uploading resources all of the time; my newest collection is the #FUN LESSONS range which are engaging, exam focused, challenging and getting great results. Lessons are fully resourced and easy to follow with minimal printing. I hope you enjoy teaching them.
I'm Head of Department and AQA examiner for Religious Studies. I teach the AQA spec and provide tried and tested resources. I'm uploading resources all of the time; my newest collection is the #FUN LESSONS range which are engaging, exam focused, challenging and getting great results. Lessons are fully resourced and easy to follow with minimal printing. I hope you enjoy teaching them.
CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS. CHRISTMAS AND EASTER. AQA RELIGIOUS STUDIES. CHRISTIAN PRACTICES. Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson. Date on slide updates automatically.
Resource free (no printing) & easy to follow
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RELIGIOUS STUDIES: CHRISTIAN PRACTICES: FESTIVALS (CHRISTMAS AND EASTER)
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
‘Christmas is the most important festival in Christianity’. Evaluate
Activities include:
Recap, structured discussion, video with partnered activities, exam question with self/peer assessment & student friendly success criteria
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
DIVORCE. AQA RELIGIOUS STUDIES: RELATIONSHIPS: RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON DIVORCE (Islam/Christianity). Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson. Date on slide updates automatically. Resource light & easy to follow
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RELIGIOUS STUDIES: RELATIONSHIPS: RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON DIVORCE (Islam/Christianity)
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain differences between and within Islam and Christianity on divorce
• Evaluate whether divorce is ever acceptable.
Activities include:
Relationships Recap starter, mastery through structured partnered discussion, model answer analysis, exam question with self/peer assessment & student friendly success criteria, quiz.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
SCIENCE AND GOD. AQA RS THEME C: ARGUMENTS FROM SCIENCE AGAINST THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. Resource light – one resource to print (information sheet). Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists (notes on slides). Date on slide updates automatically
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS Theme C: Arguments from Science against the existence of God
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Evaluate whether belief in science and God are compatible
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading and question task, debate, ‘depth and mastery’ (partnered discussion) ‘Skills mastery’, model answer analysis, exam question with peer assessment & student friendly success criteria.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
AFTERLIFE & PREDESTINATION. AQA. Islam Beliefs. The Afterlife & Predestination and influence on Muslims. Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. Resource light. Easy to follow (with notes)
Date on slide updates automatically
SINGLE LESSON
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS: Islam Beliefs – The Afterlife and its influence on Muslims
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain two ways belief in the afterlife influences Muslims
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading and question task, debate, ‘depth and mastery’ (partnered discussion) ‘Skills mastery’, model answer analysis, exam question with peer assessment & student friendly success criteria.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS. FUN & ENGAGING, VARIETY OF TASKS, MULTI-MEDIA & GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR STUDENTS TO SUCCEED.
MINIMAL PRINTING, CONCISE. DATE ON SLIDE UPDATES AUTOMATICALLY. EASY TO FOLLOW SUITABLE FOR SPECIALISTS AND NON-SPECIALISTS.
LESSONS INCLUDED:
Nature of God
Problem of evil and theodicies
Trinity
Creation of world
Creation of life
Incarnation: The gospel accounts
Why God chose to Incarnate
Earthly & spiritual reasons for crucifixion
Crucifixion: The gospel accounts
The Resurrection
Influence of the resurrection
Afterlife
Hell
Means of salvation
Evaluating the means of salvation
Revision
PEDAGOGY:
• Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
• Reduce cognitive overload
• I do, we do, you do
• Emphasis on Exam Skills: A01 and A02
• Sources of Wisdom
• Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
I hope you enjoy teaching this pack. Your feedback is most welcome.
AFTERLIFE. CONTRASTING CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ABOUT RESURRECTION, JUDGEMENT AND AFTERLIFE. AQA. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO.
PEDAGOGY FOCUS: **
Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
Reduce cognitive overload
I do, we do, you do
Exam skills: Strong religious reference, development, 1 and 2 mk questions
Minimal printing. Concise and easy to follow. Suitable for specialists and non-specialists. Task time indicators. Date on slide updates automatically. Customisable Do Now task.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO (WITH REFERENCE TO SOURCES OF AUTHORITY):
Recall contrasting Christian beliefs about resurrection, judgement, and the afterlife
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
TRINITY AND ONENESS OF GOD. CHRISTIAN BELIEFS. AQA. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. SINGLE LESSON
Pedagogy Focus:
Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
Reduce cognitive overload
I do, we do, you do
Exam skills: Strong religious reference, development
Extra Challenges throughout
Minimal printing. Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically. Customisable Do Now task.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
To analyse Nicene creed
Explain doctrinal concept of the trinity with reference to a source of authority
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
TYPES OF CRIME, UK LAW & JUSTICE. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO.
PEDAGOGY FOCUS:
Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
Reduce cognitive overload
I do, we do, you do
Extra challenges throughout
Minimal printing. Concise and easy to follow. Suitable for specialists and non-specialists. Task time indicators. Date on slide updates automatically. Customisable Do Now task.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Give examples of the three types of crime in UK law
Explore case studies of murder, theft and hate crime in the UK and assess whether justice was served to the victim
Teach as a stand-alone lesson or part of THEME E CRIME AND PUNISHMENT AQA GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
CRIME AND FORGIVENESS. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO.
PEDAGOGY FOCUS: **
Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
Reduce cognitive overload
I do, we do, you do
Minimal printing. Concise and easy to follow. Suitable for specialists and non-specialists. Task time indicators. Date on slide updates automatically. Customisable Do Now task.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO: (WITH REFERENCE TO SOURCES OF AUTHORITY)
Explain Christian and Islam teachings on forgiveness (including Situation Ethics)
Evaluate whether criminals should be forgiven and given a second chance.
Teach as a stand-alone lesson or part of THEME E CRIME AND PUNISHMENT AQA GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
VALUE OF THE UNIVERSE LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: explain a variety of religious and non-religious views on the value of the world and who is responsible for caring for it. Included in the lesson is a PEES paragraph model that I created during my 2023 exam board marking; this is to help students include all of the elements required for a 12/12 answer.
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: Some knowledge of Christian and Islam beliefs about creation, stewardship, dominion desirable but not necessary.
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity: creation, stewardship, dominion
Islam: guardianship (khalifah)
Humanism
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Paired task (following modelling of PEES paragraph)
Target Grade descriptors
Writing frame using PEES model
Key term bank
Quote bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation
Modelling of PEES paragraph
Pairs worksheet: create a PEES paragraph.
Evaluation Question with prompts to use PEES paragraphs.
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Modelling development
Extra challenges
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills: focus on PEES paragraph and 12 mk answers
• Recap
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload
• End task assessment
• Differentiation
EASY TO DELIVER
• Concise and logically sequenced
• Minimal printing
• Accessible for specialists and non-specialist teachers.
• Date on slide updates automatically.
• Task time indicators.
**I HOPE YOU ENJOY TEACHING THIS LESSON. YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. **
**FOR MORE LESSONS AND RESOURCES VISIT MY SHOP: **
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
SANCTITY v QUALITY OF LIFE LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: have a deep understanding of the terms ‘sanctity of life’ and ‘quality of life’ through application to case studies and to evaluate which is most important. This lesson will set them up for success in subsequent lessons on abortion and euthanasia.
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: religious beliefs about creation of life EG ensoulment desirable but not essential
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Several case studies (different circumstances) on euthanasia and abortion
Teachings from Quran and Christianity on sanctity of life
**TASKS INCLUDED: **
• Holy book Quote sorting/matching (Sanctity of life)
• Ranking (Quality of Life)
• Case studies – group study and present
• End Task: Explain how sanctity and quality of life sometimes conflict with reference to a case study and religious teachings
EASY TO DELIVER
• Concise and logically sequenced
• Minimal printing
• Accessible for specialists and non-specialist teachers.
• Date on slide updates automatically.
• Task time indicators.
**I HOPE YOU ENJOY TEACHING THIS LESSON. YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. **
**FOR MORE LESSONS AND RESOURCES VISIT MY SHOP: **
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
ANIMALS FOR COSMETIC AND MEDICAL TESTING
LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Evaluate whether using animals for experiments and testing is acceptable (with reference to religious and humanist teachings)
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: stewardship, dominion, using animals for food
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Differences within and between: Christianity and Islam. Peter Singer
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Target Grade descriptors
Model Answer
Video clip
PEEE Writing frame
Key term bank
Quote bank
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills
• Recap
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload
• End task assessment
• Differentiation
EASY TO DELIVER
• Concise and logically sequenced
• Minimal printing
• Accessible for specialists and non-specialist teachers.
• Date on slide updates automatically.
• Task time indicators.
**I HOPE YOU ENJOY TEACHING THIS LESSON. YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. **
**FOR MORE LESSONS AND RESOURCES VISIT MY SHOP: **
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
USING ANIMALS FOR TESTING. 12 MK MODEL ANSWER
USING ANIMALS FOR TESTING. 12 MK MODEL ANSWER includes: differences between and within religions, non-religious views. PEES paragraphs remind students to give a Point, Explain, Evidence, and Show meaning of evidence and Link to point.
Ideal for use in AQA Theme B
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity
Islam
Peter Singer
**I HOPE YOU FIND THIS RESOURCE USEFUL.
YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. **
**FOR MORE LESSONS AND RESOURCES VISIT MY SHOP: **
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
Sin and Salvation (Christian Beliefs) is a** resource-light,** useful and easy to follow lesson for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Christian Beliefs / Different Christian beliefs about the afterlife
Students will be able to:
• Explain the meaning of Grace, Sola Fide (faith alone), Good deeds and Gods laws
• Explain different Christian beliefs about the means of salvation with reference to scripture
• Evaluate which (if any) is a sufficient means of salvation
Activities include:
Starter stimulus: the story behind Amazing grace (video) / carousel posters (A3) / 5 mark question on contrasting Christian beliefs salvation. silent writing activity with timer
Differentiation: **Differentiation by task **
Using Animals for food and cosmetic/medical testing (Religion and Use of Animals) Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson Suitable for a double lesson.
Resource light- easy to follow. Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Theme B: Animals
Students will be able to:
• Explain the various ways we use animals
• Explain Christian and Islam teachings about the different uses of animals.
• Evaluate whether humans should test on animals.
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Videos / discussion Peer assessment.
EUTHANASIA: CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM & HUMANISM: AQA THEME B 'RELIGION AND LIFE. Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson. **Resource light & easy to follow.
** Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Theme B: EUTHANASIA
Students will be able to:
• Define different types of euthanasia
• Explain UK law on euthanasia
• Discuss case study from the media
• Evaluate with reference to scripture: ‘Everyone should have the right to die’
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Videos / discussion Peer assessment.
This bundle covers the entire topic in 3 x 100 minute lessons. Fully resourced with everything you need for you students to succeed. Plenty of recap, challenge, exam skills focus, mastery & assessment throughout. LESSONS are fun & engaging with a variety of tasks, multi-media & games to stimulate learning. They are not text book dependent; each lesson comes complete with a concise and accessible information sheet. Lessons are designed to offer clarity on a complex topic. Resource light (minimal printing), concise. Date on slide updates automatically. Easy to follow
Forgiveness and Reconciliation – Christian Practices (#FUN LESSONS) A fun and engaging lesson with a variety of games, tasks and use of multimedia to stimulate learning. It is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused. You’ll find it concise and easy to follow making it suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike. It covers GCSE content as well as advanced material to stretch and challenge.
There will be an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in exam questions. Assessment and extra challenges throughout
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
Forgiveness and Reconciliation – Christian Practices’
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
With reference to Bible teaching, The Trust and Reconciliation Committee and the Community of the Nails of the Cross:
• Create a collage entitled ‘Reconciliation and Peace” in Christianity
• Answer Exam Question: Two reasons Christians should focus on reconciliation.
Activities/resources include:
Customisable recap do-now starter
a variety of tasks e.g. student presentations, collage, video, discussion, exam questions. To gain an in-depth understanding of:
• Bible teachings about forgiveness and Reconciliation
• Difficulties and advantages of reconciliation
• Case studies: Desmond Tutu and apartheid / Community of the Nails of the Cross
• How Christian teachings have influenced those to work for reconciliation
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Fun and Games Revision lesson #FUN LESSONS. A concise and easy to follow, fun lesson. Students should be learning without realising it!
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Engage in lots of fun game to revise for end of topic assessment/exam.
• Prepare and present multiple views on a variety of statements with a strong religious reference.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: (FULLY RESOURCE)
• Knowledge audit starter and end task (to reveal gaps in knowledge and show progress)
• Articulate game (key terms)
• Quotes master game (matching)
• Presentation game: students are required to give reasons for and against variety of 12-mark statements and include a strong religious reference
• Pub quiz (without the beer!) and peer assessment
PLUS HOME LEARNING TASK WITH PAST EXAM QUESTIONS
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
BECOME AN EXPERT IN ALL TYPES OF EXAM QUESTIONS. #FUN LESSONS
This is revision lesson 2 of the Bundle: Theme C # Fun Lessons
This lesson focuses on how to get top marks in each type of question worth marks: 1,2,4,5,12
By the end of the lesson students will be able to:
Know what each type of question is asking them to do
Understand ALL command words of the various types of questions including references to British contemporary society, religious traditions etc.
Spot common misconceptions and reasons students might not achieve full marks
Explain the success criteria for each question type
Practice each type of question - timers included
Peer Assess using success criteria