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.
THE RESURRECTION. 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
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):
Evaluate statement: Jesus’ resurrection is a made-up story
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.
PASSOVER. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. SINGLE LESSON
Pedagogy Focus:
• Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
• Reduce cognitive overload
• Build on Prior knowledge
• ‘I do, we do, you do’
• Exam skills: refer to a source of authority
No printing. Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically. Customisable Do Now task.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
With reference to sources of authority.
Explain why and how Jews celebrate the festival of Passover
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
‘Prayer -Christian Practices’ #FUN LESSONS. Engages students with the use of a range of popular culture media. It is a ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused lesson that is concise and easy to follow making it suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike.
There is an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in exam questions and mini plenary’s and extra challenges throughout.
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
Prayer – Christian Practices
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• To explain the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Prayer
• To explain the difference between liturgical (set prayers) and informal prayers and public/private prayers and evaluate which is most meaningful
Activities include:
variety of multimedia in popular culture including: Stormzy and David Bowie
Customisable recap do-now starter, a variety of tasks to learn about:
Liturgical prayer and Lord’s prayer
Informal prayers, and arrow prayers
Private and Public prayer - Strengths and weaknesses
liturgical and informal prayer - strengths and weaknesses
The five purposes of prayer
5 mark exam question with scaffolding
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Tes paid licence
How can I reuse this?
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
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 **
Value and Abuse of the Environment AQA THEME B is a resource-light* and easy to follow lesson is suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Theme B / Humans and the Environment
Students will be able to:
• Outline current environmental issues and possible solutions
• Understand the terms: stewardship and dominion
• Explain contrasting religious teachings about environmental issues with reference to scripture 5 mk question
• Evaluate whether religious believers have more of a duty to protect the planet than non-believers
Activities include:
Information sheet and reading tasks / links to clips on deforestation and conservation / 5 mark question and evaluation question with model paragraph and peer assessment activity
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.
Writing an Argument is a fun and engaging lesson aimed to help students construct a sound argument that meets the AQA GCSE success criteria for a 12 mark question.
****NO PRINTING REQUIRED / CUSTOMISABLE RECAP/DO NOW TASK/
Students will
identify the key elements of an argument (12 mk AQA Success Criteria)
Constuct their own 12 mk statements
Justification: Give reasons to agree/disagree with statements
understand the importance of development
understand the importance of scriptural evidence
Answer a 12 mk question in full - you could adapt the question to suit a topic of your choice
Peer assess a 12 mk answer using success criteria
The final task 12 mk question is 'The Shahada is the most important Pillar in Islam. ’ However the final parts of lesson can be adapted to deliver any topic.
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
Theme C. Knowledge of God’s Existence. Scheme of learning provides minute details of: Learning objective/Task details/Differentiation/Assessment (proof of learning) and Homework (research/recap rotation)
This SOL incorporates all content for the GCSE syllabus. It is based on the spiral model so there is plenty of recap throughout as well as challenge, mastery and ongoing assessment.
This SOL corresponds to the bundle: Theme C #FUN LESSONS@ https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/theme-c-pack-12470112
The main religion studied is Christianity and there is a separate lesson on Islam/Buddhism/Atheism.
Lessons:
Design argument + evaluation
First cause argument + evaluation
Argument from miracles + evaluation
General revelation + evaluation
Special revelation + evaluation
Knowledge of the divine in Islam Buddhism and atheism + evaluation
Revision lesson 1 - fun and games to recall content.
Revision lesson 2 - Become an expert in all types of AQA RS questions
I hope you enjoy delivering this SOL. Your feedback is most welcome.
INTRO TO SIX WORLD RELIGIONS. FUN AND ENGAGING LESSON. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGING . MASTERY AND EXAM SKILLS FOCUSED. SUITABLE FOR SPECIALISTS AND NON-SPECIALISTS.
• Emphasis on exam skills. Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
• Minimal printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO
To identify the six main religions in the world.
To describe their main beliefs.
To explain their similarities and differences
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. Activities get increasingly more difficult, following Blooms taxonomy.
Date on slide updates automatically
Resource light
Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists (notes on slides)
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS THEME C: General Revelation
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain types of general revelation
• Explain two ways in which General revelation influences Christians today.
• General revelation proves the existence of God. Evaluate.
Activities include:
Customisable recap starter (just add two questions), reading and question task, mini-plenary quiz with ‘stretch and challenge’ questions, ‘depth and mastery’ (partnered discussion), debate, ‘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: Judgement and Resurrection - Christian Beliefs AQA. #FUN LESSONS
A concise and easy to follow, ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused lesson. Students will learn the GCSE content plus be challenged by dipping into some relevant A Level material. There will be an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in evaluation questions. Mini plenary’s and extra challenges throughout
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
‘Afterlife: Judgement and Resurrection’ / Christian Beliefs
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
Explain different Christian beliefs about the afterlife
Evaluate whether belief in Hell is compatible with belief in an omnibenevolent God?
Activities include:
Customisable recap do-now starter, a variety of tasks to learn about:
• Mediaeval doom paintings analysis and their purpose
• Universalist, liberal, Catholic, Protestant and fundamentalist views
• relevant extract from the Nicene Creed - analysis
• Parable of sheep and goat’s symbolism and annotation
• Reasons for and against the statement ‘if God was omnibenevolent there would be no hell’
• Exam five mark question
• key term bingo
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Sin and the Means of Salvation - CHRISTIAN BELIEFS. AQA. #FUN LESSONS. Concise and easy to follow, ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused lesson. Students will learn the GCSE content plus be challenged by dipping into some relevant A Level material. There will be an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in evaluation questions. Mini plenary’s and extra challenges throughout**
**
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
Sin and the Means of Salvation / Christian Beliefs
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain different Christian views on the means of Salvation including: including law, grace and role of Christ/atonement
• Evaluate which of these means guarantees salvation
Activities include:
Customisable recap do-now starter, a variety of tasks to learn about:
• Analysis of the song Amazing Grace and its background
• The following means of salvation: Grace, The Law, Role of Jesus, (crucifixion), Sola Fide (Faith Alone), Good deeds
• Contrasting Christian beliefs about which of these means is most reliable for Salvation
• 12 mark question With emphasis on key skills required by the exam board
• key term bingo
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
HUMAN RIGHTS QUOTES. FOR THEME F: RELIGION, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. AQA GCSE. DIFFERENTIATED.
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM QUOTES FOR ALL SUBTOPICS
INCLUDING:
• POVERTY, WEALTH, CHARITY AND EXPLOITATION
• SOCIAL JUSTICE, EQUALITY AND DISCRIMINATION: (sex, sexual orientation, racism)
• FREEDOM OF RELIGION
• HUMAN RIGHTS
The table shows how the same quote can be used in various sub topics which is useful for** lower ability/SEN** where recall of many quotes may be difficult.
This includes generic quotes that can be used across different sub-topics as well as more specific sophisticated quotes to **challenge the more able **
PREJUDICE, DISCRIMINATION & RELIGION. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT. PLANNED QUESTIONING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. DIFFERENTIATED. RELIGION: CHRISTIANITY
PEDAGOGY FOCUS:
Check whole class understanding / address misconceptions (e.g. mini boards/cold call)
I do, we do, you do
Differentiated End Task
Extra challenges throughout
Scaffolding
No 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 SACRED WRITING)
• LIST PROTECTED CHARACTERISTICS FROM 2010 EQUALITY ACT
• EXPLAIN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS ABOUT DISCRIMINATION
• EVALUATE WHETHER DISCRIMINATION IS ALWAYS WRONG.
TEACH AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON OR
PART OF THEME F: RELIGION, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. AQA GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
HOMOSEXUALITY & RELIGION 2023. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT. PLANNED QUESTIONING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. DIFFERENTIATED. CONTEMPORARY RELIGIOUS VIEWS: CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM AND HUMANISM
PEDAGOGY FOCUS:
Check whole class understanding / address misconceptions (e.g. mini boards/cold call)
I do, we do, you do
Differentiated End Task
Extra challenges
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: EVALUATE WHETHER SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IS WRONG. WITH REFERENCE TO SACRED WRITING & SHOWING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AND WITHIN RELIGIONS
TEACH AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON OR
PART OF THEME F: RELIGION, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. AQA GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.