Religion Studies / Philosophy / PSHE
This 12-lesson unit, ‘Religion and the Media’, is an update to a previous incarnation of this unit, modernised, well-designed and made even more engaging to keep in line with current thinking and relevant issues.
Individual lessons are intended as a double (roughly one and a half hours per lesson) however, due to time restrictions and the embedded support in the corresponding Work Pack, could also be taught in a minimal one hour per lesson.
Lessons Include:
What is a Media Message
Religion in the Media
Charlie Hebdo
Westboro Baptist Church
Banksy
How do religions use the media (inc. LGBTQ+ case study)
Is there a balance between freedom of speech and harmful content?
Are gagging orders moral?
Should the media profit from tragedy?
When does the media become propaganda?
Should the media promote ethical advertising?
What is the future of ethics and the media?
*Lesson resource sheets if using exercise books
This scheme of learning has been devised explicitly to support the Recovery Curriculum, interleave learning with previously-learned units and support cognition through interleaving techniques.
Although part of a unit, lessons can also be taught as a stand-alone lessons, e.g. for revision. The corresponding Work Pack(s) would also support a home-learned curriculum as the PowerPoints and Packs themselves include differentiation and scaffolding, where required.
The new scheme of work is specifically designed to promote the two skills desired for success at GCSE (and beyond):
AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding)
AO2 (Analysis and Evaluation)
The resources are specifically created to ensure students are aware of the skill they are demonstrating and how to improve further through modelling.
These new units bring the relevance back to our topics, for example, through thought experiments and reference to current affairs. Students will experience greater engagement and enjoyment in a fair and balanced approach.
Lessons include:
Homework Slide
Unit Cover and lesson overview
Starter activity, including interleaving
Key words (literacy focus)
Introduction of key information (AO1 - knowledge) and how this is used (AO1 - understanding)
Introduction of a contentious issue or debate (AO2 - analysis) and finalised judgement (AO2 - evaluation)
Plenary
The lesson resource sheets:
These are designed so that even those who have limited curriculum time can explore the full unit without having to feel the time pressures on their classwork.
The resources provide time-saving activities, whilst still being able to cover the breadth and depth of the course.
In addition, students who may be limited by literacy issues, e.g. slower writing paces, are not disadvantaged or capped in their progress. Therefore, some classes could use a mixed approach - part resources, part exercise book - and all students will be able to progress through the same volume of content.
Please give feedback: I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Knowledge organiser for revision and information for the Theme of Religion, Human Rights & Social Justice, as part of the GCSE AQA syllabus. It includes key information; case studies and examples; Christian teachings; Muslim teachings; exam requirements and technique and key vocabulary.
It can be used for independent revision, to aid a structured revision timetable and in lessons. My own students have these glued in their books and are encouraged to refer to them during our learning. At the end of the unit, students are asked to go over the statements and highlight (RAG) their knowledge and understanding of the topics, thereby revealing key areas for revision.
Download as an A3 Word document as as an A4 PDF.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
This resource includes two essays answering two different A-Level exam question on the topic of Death and the Afterlife. Both essays have been marked stringently and comments are written throughout. Overall comments and banding is awarded, with justification, and an overall grade.
The resource also includes the essays without comments, for students to mark on their own, before going over comments/grades. The essays can also be used as revision resources for students practising their own exam-style essays.
Grade A+ and C essays
Mark scheme for both AS and A Level included for marking.
Download as both Word and PDF documents.
These essays are indented for the OCR AS/A Level specification, although it can be applied across specifications using alternative marking schemes.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
RE/RS KS3 Scheme of Work entitled: Christian Beliefs, intended to support learners who will be progressing on to GCSE.
6 Lessons, which can be taught as part of the whole unit or as a stand alone lessons. Each lesson is intended to last approximately 90 mins.
This highly relevant and engaging unit, which explores the origins of religion as well as the purpose of studying religion in today’s world.
Lessons included:
What is Christianity?
Christian beliefs about God
What is the Bible?
Christian Creation
The Life of Jesus
The Afterlife
The unit includes a variety of tasks, from Q&A, video and constructive tasks, to creative group work.
Please give feedback. I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Created with the AQA RS GCSE specification in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. Quick and easy revision presented in a creative way!
Each revision card includes definitions, teachings, the importance and an opinion question. Answers are also available on the reverse of each card for student to work independently.
The final slide (with practise questions) also comes with answers using the appropriate exam technique.
The flip cards include the following topics, according to the specification:
What are good and evil?
What are the different reasons for crime?
What are the different types of crime?
What are the aims of punishment?
What are UK prisons like?
How important is forgiveness?
What is corporal punishment?
What is capital punishment?
Can suffering be a good thing?
Is real forgiveness possible?
Practise Exam Questions
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Created with the AQA RS GCSE specification in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. Quick and easy revision presented in a creative way!
Each revision card includes definitions, teachings, the importance and an opinion question. Answers are also available on the reverse of each card for student to work independently.
The final slide (with practise questions) also comes with answers using the appropriate exam technique.
The flip cards include the following topics, according to the specification:
Origins of the universe
Value of the environment
Animals
Origins and value of life
Sanctity and quality of life
Abortion and euthanasia
Afterlife
Practise Exam Questions
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Created with the AQA RS GCSE specification in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. Quick and easy revision presented in a creative way!
Each revision card includes definitions, teachings, the importance and an opinion question. Answers are also available on the reverse of each card for student to work independently.
The final slide (with practise questions) also comes with answers using the appropriate exam technique.
The flip cards include the following topics, according to the specification:
Worship
Prayer
Sacraments
Baptism
Eucharist
Pilgrimage
Festivals
Church in the Community
Church Growth
Reconciliation
Persecution
Christian Aid/Tearfund
Practise Exam Questions
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
In Feb 2022, AQA released their guidance on the specific topics that will be assessed in the May/June 2022 series for Paper 1: Study of Religion: Islam.
The attached PPT guides students through this required information. It can be used as a taught lesson, a homework or revision/independent study.
Please give feedback: I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
This resource contains 3 mock/practise exams with corresponding model answers/answered mocks for the Study of Christianity unit for the AQA specification of GCSE Religious Studies.
Good for revision, MAD/DIRT time, and general exam preparation.
Download as an editable Word document or as a PDF, for compatability.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Whole unit on a page!
This is a learning mat indented for independent study or revision for the topic of Developments in Christianity: Religious Pluralism (in Theology and Society), as part of the OCR AS/A Level specification, although it can be applied across specifications. Document can be downloaded as an A3 Word document and as an A4 PDF, for compatibility.
Created with the OCR RS AS/A Level in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Creative and visually engaging learning mat / revision sheet for Judaism: Jewish Worship in the Synagogue.
Can be used for revision, cover work, homework or class work - incredibly versatile resource!
Task mat includes:
Knowledge on features of the synagogue, synagogue services and the difference between Reform and Orthodox services.
Knowledge Check
Choice of Tasks
Challenge question (Analysis question for extended writing) with exam technique
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource. Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Knowledge organiser for revision and information for the Theme of Relationships and Families, as part of the GCSE AQA syllabus. It includes key information; case studies and examples; Christian teachings; Muslim teachings; exam requirements and technique and key vocabulary.
It can be used for independent revision, to aid a structured revision timetable and in lessons. My own students have these glued in their books and are encouraged to refer to them during our learning. At the end of the unit, students are asked to go over the statements and highlight (RAG) their knowledge and understanding of the topics, thereby revealing key areas for revision.
Download as an A3 Word document as as an A4 PDF.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
This is a unit of 3 two-hour lessons for the OCR unit on Philosophy of Religion: Soul, Mind and Body. Lessons cover a variety of tasks, activities and learner styles, geared towards the final exam. Also included is the A3 and A4 Learning Mats / Revision Mat for this topic.
Lessons are:
Plato and Aristotle on Soul
Descartes’ Substance Dualism
Materialism
Learning Mat on Soul, Mind and Body
Each lesson also includes assessment of the arguments proposed and an essay-style question for discussion and development.
Free 30-page workbook with this unit!
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of students’ Philosophy education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Creative and visually engaging learning mat / revision sheet for Jewish Practices: Festivals (Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur/Pesach - Passover/Sukkot)
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource. Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils' RE/RS education in general - which is what we're all here for!
Created with the AQA RS GCSE specification in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. Quick and easy revision presented in a creative way!
Each revision card includes definitions, teachings, the importance and an opinion question. Answers are also available on the reverse of each card for student to work independently.
The final slide (with practise questions) also comes with answers using the appropriate exam technique.
The flip cards include the following topics, according to the specification:
Procreation
Sex and Contraception
Sexuality
Cohabitation and Marriage
Divorce
Remarriage
Families
Gender Equality
Contemporary family issues (same-sex parents/polygamy)
Practise Exam Questions
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Tes paid licence
Creative and visually engaging learning mat / revision sheet for Issues of Life & Death: Funeral Rites and How do funeral rites reflect religious and non-religious belief?
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource. Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils' RE/RS education in general - which is what we're all here for!
KS3 Religious Studies/Philosophy and Ethics: Ethical Questions
Lesson: What makes a (human) life valuable?
This unit, ‘Ethical Questions, is devised as part of a brand new, interleaved scheme of work for KS3, aimed to prepare KS3 students for the move up to KS4, introducing some key concepts that can be developed later on at GCSE.
Individual lessons are intended as a double (roughly one and a half hours per lesson) however, due to time restrictions and the embedded support in the corresponding Work Pack, could also be taught in a minimal one hour per lesson.
This scheme of learning has been devised explicitly to support the Recovery Curriculum, interleave learning with previously-learned units and support cognition through interleaving techniques.
Although part of a unit, lessons can also be taught as a stand-alone lessons, e.g. for revision. The corresponding Resource Pack(s) would also support a home-learned curriculum as the PowerPoints and Packs themselves include differentiation and scaffolding, where required.
The interleaved schemed of work are specifically designed to promote the two skills desired for success at GCSE:
AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding)
AO2 (Analysis and Evaluation)
The resources are specifically created to ensure students are aware of the skill they are demonstrating and how to improve further through modelling.
These new units bring the relevance back to our topics, for example, through thought experiments and reference to current affairs. Students will experience greater engagement and enjoyment in a fair and balanced approach.
Lesson includes:
Homework Slide
Unit Cover and lesson overview
Starter activity, including interleaving
Key words (literacy focus)
Introduction of key information (AO1 - knowledge) and how this is used (AO1 - understanding)
Introduction of a contentious issue or debate (AO2 - analysis) and finalised judgement (AO2 - evaluation)
Plenary
The Work Pack:
If you would rather work in exercise books, the Work Pack is designed so that you can print off relevant pages - it is a resource pack. This would be useful if you have appropriate curriculum time to cover the content of the course. Unfortunately, this is not the case across all schools, and therefore the Work Pack helps by providing time-saving activities, whilst still being able to cover the breadth and depth of the course.
In addition, students who may be limited by literacy issues, e.g. slower writing paces, are not disadvantaged or capped in their progress. Therefore, some classes could use a mixed approach - part Work Pack, part exercise book - and all students will be able to progress through the same volume of content.
Please give feedback: I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
KS3 Religious Studies/Philosophy and Ethics: Ethical Questions*
Lesson: What is Ethics?
This unit, ‘Ethical Questions, is devised as part of a brand new, interleaved scheme of work for KS3, aimed to prepare KS3 students for the move up to KS4, introducing some key concepts that can be developed later on at GCSE.
Individual lessons are intended as a double (roughly one and a half hours per lesson) however, due to time restrictions and the embedded support in the corresponding Work Pack, could also be taught in a minimal one hour per lesson.
This scheme of learning has been devised explicitly to support the Recovery Curriculum, interleave learning with previously-learned units and support cognition through interleaving techniques.
Although part of a unit, lessons can also be taught as a stand-alone lessons, e.g. for revision. The corresponding Resource Pack(s) would also support a home-learned curriculum as the PowerPoints and Packs themselves include differentiation and scaffolding, where required.
The interleaved schemed of work are specifically designed to promote the two skills desired for success at GCSE:
AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding)
AO2 (Analysis and Evaluation)
The resources are specifically created to ensure students are aware of the skill they are demonstrating and how to improve further through modelling.
These new units bring the relevance back to our topics, for example, through thought experiments and reference to current affairs. Students will experience greater engagement and enjoyment in a fair and balanced approach.
Lesson includes:
Homework Slide
Unit Cover and lesson overview
Starter activity, including interleaving
Key words (literacy focus)
Introduction of key information (AO1 - knowledge) and how this is used (AO1 - understanding)
Introduction of a contentious issue or debate (AO2 - analysis) and finalised judgement (AO2 - evaluation)
Plenary
The Work Pack:
If you would rather work in exercise books, the Work Pack is designed so that you can print off relevant pages - it is a resource pack. This would be useful if you have appropriate curriculum time to cover the content of the course. Unfortunately, this is not the case across all schools, and therefore the Work Pack helps by providing time-saving activities, whilst still being able to cover the breadth and depth of the course.
In addition, students who may be limited by literacy issues, e.g. slower writing paces, are not disadvantaged or capped in their progress. Therefore, some classes could use a mixed approach - part Work Pack, part exercise book - and all students will be able to progress through the same volume of content.
Please give feedback: I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Creative and visually engaging learning mat / revision sheet for ethics: religions and Humanism on making moral decisions.
Can be used for revision, cover work, homework or class work - incredibly versatile resource!
Task mat includes:
Knowledge
Choice of Tasks
Challenge question (Analysis question for extended writing) with exam
Download as an A3 word document and as an A4 PDF, for compatibility.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!