The second lesson I teach in Year 1 Buddhism content. Introduces students to the story of the Buddha’s search for the end of suffering, including his period of self mortification, and an explanation of the process of him gaining enlightenment. Then considers the doctrines of the first sermon.Also introduces the question of whether Buddhism is a pessimistic religion. Can be adapted to other specs, but I planned this with AQA in mind.

An essay lesson which looks at essay structures and planning for the AQA 2A (7062) question “Evaluate the view that Buddhism is a pessmistic religion” [ 15] Students will plan and write the essay to time, as a mark point for teachers. Includes model answer

A lesson introducing the concepts of Samsara and rebirth, and explaining the different realms of rebirth. Please note that this lesson requires an internet connection, as the main activity is using the excellent resource on the Buddhanet site to annotate a blank copy of the wheel of life and introduce students to the different realms and what happens there. Planned for the AQA A level, but suitable for adaptation to other specs.

A lesson on the differences between Samatha and Vipassana meditation in Buddhism, and reference to the debate regarding whether or not Buddhism rejects the use of mindfulness as a C21st therapy. Planned for the AQA 2A 7062 content, but could be adapted to other A level specs.

A lesson looking at the workings of Samsara and Karma within Buddhist doctrines, particularly focusing on the transfer of karma across lifetimes, the way our past experiences condition our present and future personalities (paticcasamuppada) and the literal and metaphorical interpretations of Samsara. Planned for AQA 2A 7062 content, but can be adapted to other specs.

A lesson describing the view of nirvana and attempts to describe it in Buddhism, looking at the 80th Dilemma of King Milinda in the Pali Canon. Please note this lesson uses Denise Cush’s ‘A Student’s Approach to World Religions’, which any teacher buying it will need to have a copy of to hand. Planned for AQA 2A Buddhism content, but could be adapted to other specs.

A lesson that explores the concept of anatta within the context of most Indian philosophies accepting the existence of the atman. Illustrates the personal nature of anicca and the fact that humans are only made of the 5 skandhas. An activity using the chariot analogy is utilised to help students understand the function of a name in Buddhism, and the idea that humans have no permanent soul. Planned for AQA content but could be adapted to other specs.

Please note that this lesson has one activity that uses Peter Harvey’s ‘Introduction to Buddhism’, which you will need to have on hand. This lesson introduces the concept of the sangha and the process of renunciation, including the refuge ceremony. There is a fact finding task based around learning about the daily life of the sangha as instituted by the Buddha. Planned for AQA but could be adapted to other specs.

Please note that this lesson includes an activity which utilises Denise Cush’s Student’s Approach to World Religions book, and anyone buying it will need to have their own copy. Focuses on the content of magga with explanation of how this is a “middle way” and the focus on wisdom, concentration and morality. Could be adapted to other A level specs but was planned with AQA in mind.

A lesson looking at the nature of the Pali Canon, considering the debate on whether or not it is accurate, and if it is a religious authority for Buddhists. Includes model answer for the set homework question. Lesson planned for AQA A level, but could be adapted to other specs.

A lesson that compares the prior role of the sangha in Thailand to contemporary monastic life in urban Thailand. This includes looking at how the structure of the Thai sangha has been influenced by Thai politics and the way that the sangha is lessening in popularity and value due to globalisation and westernization of Thai culture. Includes model answer for set essay question. Planned for AQA but could also be adapted to other specs

A lesson which examines how the Wat Phra Dhammakaya movement differs from its traditional counterpart through its use of modern technology, varying religious practices and different attitude to charity and donation. Includes model answer for planned question. Planned for AQA but could be adapted to other specs.

A lesson that looks at the nature of Theravada lay morality by looking at the 5 moral precepts that Buddhists follow. This is joined with an exploration of the law of intention and the nature of kusala and akusala (healthy and unhealthy) actions, in relation to karma. Planned for AQA but could be adapted for other specs.

Lesson powerpoints, resources and revision for AQA A Level Year 2 Spec. Topics covered: Gender & Sexuality Buddhism and Science Challenges of Secularisation Migration and Religious Pluralism Dialogues with Philosophy & Ethics Revision of Year 12 content

6 lesson series plus assessment lesson with markscheme and model answers. This series can be adapted for other exam boards, but does draw upon content from the AQA A Level text book. All resources included.

1 hour lessons taught to Year 8 but can be scaled up or down for other KS3 classes. Looks at key Buddhist practices of individuals and communities, includes a knowledge organiser that can be set for homework. Each lesson has a booklet that can be completed by students in class.

5 lessons (1 hour) - taught to Year 8 but can be scaled up or down. Includes a bespoke booklet for students to complete during the lesson, a KO which can be set for homework, and powerpoints and a complete SOW.

5 lessons of work looking at life’s journey in Hinduism and Buddhism - beliefs about the afterlife, funeral rites and customs. Taught to Year 8 (1 hour lessons) but can be scaled up or down for other KS3 classes. Includes bespoke booklet which students can complete as they go in the lessons. SOW is fully complete and an optional KO that can be set for homework.

1 hour lessons taught to Year 8 but can be scaled up and down. Looks at main Hindu practices: Worship, Yoga, Pilgrimage and environmentalism. Includes a bespoke booklet which can be completed by students during the lesson, a KO which can be set for homework, and a full SOW.

5 lesson series (1 hour lessons) - can be scaled down for other KS3 year groups. Includes a bespoke booklet for students to complete during lesson, a complete SOW and an optional Knowledge Organiser which can be set for homework.