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.
Concise, comprehensive and **challenging exam-focused lesson. **
**Resource light & easy to follow **
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
THEME A - RELATIONSHIPS: NATURE, PURPOSE & IMPORTANCE OF MARRIAGE + COHABITATION (ISLAM/CHRISTIANITY)
Students will be able to:
• Explain the nature, purpose and importance of marriage in Islam and Christianity
• Evaluate with reference to scripture whether marriage is important in the modern world.
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Optional video task to enrich learning and give writing hands a rest! / discussion / self/peer assessment with success criteria.
DESCARTES SUBSTANCE DUALISM: METHOD OF DOUBT #FUN LESSONS.
OCR RS SOUL, MIND & BODY. Concise, easy to follow and comprehensive, ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. RESOURCE FREE
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
A LEVEL: SOUL, MIND AND BODY CAN BE ADAPTED FOR VARIOUS EXAM BOARDS
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
EXPLAIN DESCARTES METHODOLOGY
EXPLAIN 2 PROOFS OF DESCARTES SUBSTANCE DUALISM
Activities include:
Customisable recap starter (just add two questions). Tasks to link to prior learning.
Key term test and self assessment. Engage in a thought experiment (following video clip) describe the experiment and explain its conclusion. Interpret sources of authority, Explain the properties of matter and mind. Frequent mini-plenaries. Culminating in a written A01 question:
Explain Descartes method and his two proofs of Substance Dualism using every term in the word bank , Include a quote (and interpretation) and check you have met each of the A01 success criteria.
Model answer & student friendly success criteria provided. Peer assessment. No hands up questioning - questions provided.
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.
Sacraments: Infant and Believers Baptism - Christian Practices. #FUN LESSONS. A fun and engaging lesson by employing use of popular media and games. It does not lack academic challenge it is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused. This is concise and easy to follow making it suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike.
You can use props for the main activity e.g. doll, water – but I often ask the kids to improvise and this often makes it even more fun.
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:
‘Sacraments: Believers and Infant Baptism’ Christian Practices AQA
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain the meaning and significance of sacraments
• Explain the difference between a believer’s baptism and Infant baptism and evaluate which type is most important
Activities/resources include:
Customisable recap do-now starter
a variety of tasks to gain an in-depth understanding of:
• the meaning and significance of sacraments
• Denominational differences regarding the sacraments
• purpose of baptism
• believers and infant baptism differences
• evaluate which is most important believers or infant baptism
• Key term bingo
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
RACISM AND 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
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:
• LIST CAUSES OF RACISM
• EXPLAIN CHRISTIAN AND ISLAM VIEWS ON RACIAL DISCRIMINATION WITH REFERENCE TO SACRED WRITINGS
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.
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 **
FREEDOM OF RELIGION. 50 MINUTES. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT. PLANNED QUESTIONING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. DIFFERENTIATED.
PEDAGOGY FOCUS:
Check whole class understanding / address misconceptions (e.g. mini boards/cold call)
I do, we do, you do
Differentiated Tasks
Extra challenges
Scaffolding
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:
• Explain freedom of religion (article 18)
• Everyone should have freedom of religion. Evaluate. Show differences within and between: Christianity, Islam, and humanism. Refer to sacred writing
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.
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS REVISION IDEAL FOR PRE EXAM REVISION
AIM: create effective flash cards recall key terms and points for 5mk & 12 mk Q’s
HOW: students work independently using a 9 step progress sheet to identify and fill gaps in knowledge.
DIFFERENTIATION: By time: depending on number of gaps students work independently over 1 or more lessons. By Task: some steps are different depending on predicted grade EG. U-3 no quotes needed 7+ 4 quotes in 12mk questions.
RESOURCES INCLUDED:
Instruction slides
Model of flash cards, development and conclusion
9 step student progress check list
Key term knowledge audit
5mk and 12 mk questions corresponding to key term knowledge audit
Quotes for all sub-topics
YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE:
Either flash cards OR if on low budget A4 paper cut in half to create two cards
Envelopes/wallets for them to keep cards organised
INFORMATION to answer questions EG revision guides/their books/your support .
Christian Festivals: Christmas/Easter #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.
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:
‘Christian Festivals: Christmas/Easter’ – Christian Practices’
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain how and why Christians celebrate the festivals of Christmas and Easter
• Evaluate which festival is the most important
Activities/resources include:
Recap do-now starter – Dobble
a variety of tasks e.g. Easter Egg (info) hunt, nativity plays, sorting games, model answers. To gain an in-depth understanding of:
• The events of the incarnation
• The events of the incarnation
• Bible quotes references to incarnation/resurrection
• How Christmas/Easter is celebrated
• The Symbolism of Christmas and Easter celebrations
• evaluating which is the most important
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
ISLAM PRACTICES, FESTIVALS: ID-UL-ADHA #FUN LESSONS. A fun and engaging lesson with a variety of tasks, multi-media and games to stimulate learning. It is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused.
• Includes model answer and peer assessment
• Includes memory aids to help recall in exams
• No hands up planned questioning
• Key term bingo to help recall Islam beliefs and Islam practices
• No printing required, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
• Suitable for specialists and non-specialists.
Emphasis on exam skills: Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO (WITH REFERENCE TO SOURCE OF AUTHORITY):
Explain the meaning and significance of Id-ul-Adha: including
• Origins
• How it is celebrated
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
INTRO LESSON FOR SOUL MIND & BODY OCR A LEVEL RS. #FUN LESSON
An accessible, discursive & engaging introduction to this fascinating topic. Students will learn without realising it.
They will be able to:
Explain the difference between numerical and qualitative identity
Reflect on what makes you ‘you’
Explain the difference between a substance dualist and a materialist
ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT. PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION OCR A LEVEL. MODEL ANSWER: TO WHAT EXTENT DOES KANT SUCCESSFULLY CRITICISE THE ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT?
Exemplar Essay: Thesis, body and conclusion
Demonstrates OCR success criteria for a top-level answer.
INCLUDES REFERENCE TO SCHOLARS:
Descartes, Anselm, Gaunilo, Kant
SOURCES OF WISDOM:
Bible
BONHOEFFER’S THEOLOGY. OCR DCT. 100 MINUTES. FUN AND ENGAGING MULTI-MEDIA LESSON WITH A VARIETY OF TASKS AND GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGE AND MASTERY FOCUSED.
This is lesson 2 of 3 lessons that covers the OCR specification on Bonhoeffer.
• Aimed to offer clarity on a complex topic
• Customisable recap ‘do now’ task
• Emphasis on Exam Skills: A01
• Scholar quotes
• Sources of Wisdom
• Assessment throughout.
• No printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
• Information provided (not dependent on a textbook)
**STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO: **
Explain Bonhoeffers theology including:
Obedience & leadership
Civil disobedience
Spiritual discipline
Cost of Discipleship – Cheap and Costly Grace
Suffering
Solidarity
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
CORPORAL AND CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT. PLANNED QUESTIONING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. DIFFERENTIATED. MODEL ANSWER INCLUDED. RELIGIONS: CHRISTIANITY & ISLAM
**PEDAGOGY FOCUS: **
Check whole class understanding and address misconceptions throughout (e.g. mini-boards or cold call)
I do, we do, you do
Compulsory 7+ Challenges throughout
Differentiated End Task
Dedicated improvement: model answer included
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 sacred writing)
• List advantages and disadvantages of Capital and Corporal punishment
• Evaluate with reference to religious sources of authority whether Capital and corporal punishment should be used.
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.
Sunni and Shia Islam key beliefs. Six articles of faith and five roots. This lesson enables learners to: recall and explain both the six articles and five roots. #engage, check understanding, correct misconceptions, differentiate, reduce cognitive overload.
TWO SINGLE LESSONS. CHUNKED WITH FREQUENT WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT.
AS THIS IS A CONTENT HEAVY SUBTOPIC WITH ARABIC TERMS AS WELL AS BELIEFS OF BOTH DENOMINATIONS TO REMEMBER I HAVE CHUNKED CONTENT AND INCLUDED FREQUENT WHOLE CLASS FEEDBACK. ACRONYMS ARE ALSO PROVIDED TO AID RECALL.
LESSON INCLUDES INFORMATION SHEETS.
Lesson one focuses on the similarities eg tawhid and prophethood with some differences eg imamate in shia islam and sunni beliefs in angels and holy books. This will prepare them well for lesson to which begins with recall of these key beliefs and then proceeds to deliver the remaining key beliefs of shia and sunni. This has proven very effective with my students in terms of recalling the six articles and five roots and explaining these with reference to scripture.
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA ISLAM BELIEFS OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: Students should have some knowledge of Tawhid, imamate and knowledge of the Shia/Sunni divide following death of Prophet Muhammed.
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills – development
• Recap (activate prior knowledge)
• 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
AFTERLIFE. CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM, HUMANISM LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Evaluate the statement: Is death the end? With reference to sources of authority in Christianity, Islam, and Humanism. More able students will be able to refer to concepts such as substance dualism, materialism, and eternal oblivion.
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, REDUCE COGNITIVE OVERLOAD.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B: RELIGION & LIFE
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: Students should know some concepts from the ‘beliefs’ component; however this is not essential since this lessons serves as a recap on beliefs such as personal/last judgement, resurrection, ensoulment and the nature of the afterlife in Islam and Christianity.
**INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS: **
Humanism (Dawkins)
Christianity: (Protestant and Catholic)
Islam
**TASKS INCLUDE: **
Do Now task (recap to activate relevant knowledge applied to this lesson)
Planned questioning
Peer learning: Matching elements of a PEEL paragraph
Discussion: Do Near Death Experiences prove existence of a soul
Frequent whole class assessment to check understanding
End task Writing task with writing frame for PEEL paragraphs and quote bank for books
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills – PEEL paragraph
• Recap (activate prior knowledge)
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
•Chunked activities to prevent cognitive overload
• Differentiated End task assessment
EASY TO DELIVER
• Concise and logically sequenced
• Minimal preparation
• 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
Theme C. Knowledge of God’s Existence. AQA. A 1-sided sheet of quotes from Christianity and Islam Holy Books to glue in books. This resource along with SOL and glossary is free with (and complements) the Theme C #FUN LESSONS PACK (found in my shop - link below)
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/theme-c-pack-12470112
Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson. Date on slide updates automatically.
Resource light & easy to follow
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
THEME B. RELIGION AND LIFE: ORIGINS OF UNIVERSE AND LIFE (ISLAM/CHRISTIANITY/HUMANISM)
**
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):**
With reference to sources of authority:
• Explain two similar religious views about the origins of life and the universe. 5 marks
• The Bible tells Christians all they need to know about creation. Evaluate. 12 marks
Activities include:
Paired Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Video task to enrich learning and give writing hands a rest! / structured discussion / self/peer assessment with success criteria.
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP (Christian Beliefs AQA) RESOURCE FREE LESSON
Suitable for a single lesson. No printing required and easy to follow
Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Christian Beliefs / Worship and Prayer
Students will be able to:
• Explain various styles of worship
• Evaluate each style of worship pointing out the strengths of each
• Explain why the Lord’s Prayer is important to Christians
Activities include:
Matching definition to images / paired discussion / writing tasks with writing frames e.g. Evaluate question with sentence starters
PILGRIMAGE: CHRISTIANITY & ISLAM. AQA RS. Suitable as a lesson or revision lesson. Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused. Resource light easy to follow
Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Islam/Christian Practices/ GCSE REVISION LESSON
Students will be able to:
Explain two contrasting places of Christian pilgrimage
Explain rituals that happen at Hajj
Evaluate whether pilgrimage is the most important form of worship in Christianity
Evaluate whether pilgrimage is the most important form of worship in Islam
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Peer assessment.