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.
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.
THE PROBLEM OF EVIL ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain the evidential and logical problem of evil and HOW this challenges arguments for God’s existence
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
50 MINUTE LESSON
GCSE. AQA. THEME: C
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity (Bible)
Humanism
Mackie
Elie Wiesel (Holocaust survivor)
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
• Key terms for reference (one per group)
• Slides
• Support resource (info sheet)
• Exam question success criteria for each target grade (differentiate)
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation of argument
Match/Sort activity
Self-assessment
Discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Exam Question: Explain
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills
• Recap
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload!
• End task assessment
• Extra challenge
• 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.
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.
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.
ISLAM PRACTICES: FESTIVALS: ID-UL-FITR AND ASHURA #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-Fitr and Ashura including
• Origins
• Differences within Islam on the meaning and celebration of these festivals
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
THEIST RESPONSES TO PROBLEM OF EVIL & EVALUATION ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain three theodicies and evaluate these with reference to sacred writings. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
50 MINUTE LESSON
GCSE. AQA. THEME: C
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Swinburne (free will)
Augustine
Hick (soul making)
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
• Slides
• SEN / LA Support resource (info sheet)
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation of theodicies and evaluation
Ranking
Self-assessment
Discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Exam Question: Explain and evaluate
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills
• Recap
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload!
• End task assessment
• Extra challenge
• 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
FIRST CAUSE ARGUMENT EVALUATION ENABLES LEARNERS TO: EVALUATE THE FIRST CAUSE ARGUMENT WITH REFERENCE TO A VARIETY OF STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND SACRED WRITING. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS,
50 MINUTE LESSON
GCSE. AQA. THEME: C
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Aquinas
Science
Russell
Hume
Genesis (Christianity)
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
• Slides
• Support resource (info sheet)
• EXAM QUESTION SUCCESS CRITERIA FOR EACH TARGET GRADE
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Recap of argument
Presentation of strengths and weaknesses.
Peer rank
Discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
12-mark (evaluation) Exam question.
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills
• Recap
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload!
• End task assessment
• Extra challenge
• 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
SPECIAL REVELATION. EVALUATION LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Evaluate the reliability of Special revelation as proof of the existence of God and holy figures with reference to key philosophers and sacred writing.
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON 50-60 MINS
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME C
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: St Bernadette and Saul’s revelation
**INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS: **
Christianity
Swinburne: Principle of Testimony
Humanism
William James
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Target Grade descriptors
Writing frame
Key term bank
Quote bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation
Discussion
Self-assessment
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Modelling development
Exam Question: Evaluate
**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
**EXPLOITATION. 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 different types of exploitation.
Explain religious and non-religious views about exploitation of the poor with reference to scripture.
Domestic servitude is the worst type of exploitation. Evaluate.
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.
NATURAL THEOLOGY: KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S EXISTENCE (DCT) A LEVEL. #FUN LESSONS. A fun and engaging lesson with a variety of tasks and to stimulate learning. It is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused.
• Resource light, 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 view that Christians can know God through Natural Theology
Fully resourced activities include:
Customisable recap starter, create illustrations to demonstrate views of Polkinghorne and Boyle, sort quotes into natural / revealed theology, group discussion (sensus divinitus, conscience as proof of God), mind-mapping of key thinkers and claims, A01 writing task, A02 evaluation challenge.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
HUMAN RIGHTS. PEER ASSESSED END OF TOPIC TEST
Short of time to mark? This comprehensive end topic test can be used to assess learning and identify gaps and common misconceptions. It assesses knowledge of key terms, points and reasons for 5 & 12 mk answers. 12mk question is broken down into sections to enable fast peer assessment. Answer sheet included. You will need 20 minutes for test and 10 minutes to peer assess.
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 **
ISLAM PRACTICES: SHIA ISLAM TEN OBLIGATIONS #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 recap on 5 pillars and Jihad
• Includes peer assessment (with answers)
• Includes pronunciation audio recordings for Arabic terms
• No hands up planned questioning
• Plenary quiz to help retain knowledge
• Little printing required, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
• Emphasis on exam skills for 5 mark questions
• Suitable for specialists and non-specialists.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO (WITH REFERENCE TO SOURCE OF AUTHORITY):
Explain the Ten Obligations of Shia Islam and how these influence the lives of Shia Muslims
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.
INCARNATION AND CHRISTMAS LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain Christian beliefs about the incarnation and how this is celebrated at Christmas (with reference to scripture).
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON 50-60 MINS
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
SUITABLE FOR KS3 / LA KS4
PRIOR LEARNING: TRINITY
**DIFFERENTIATION: **
Writing frame
Key term bank
Quote bank
Extra Challenges
Peer learning
Planned questioning. Checking understanding / address misconceptions
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation
Reading & answer questions
Quote analysis
Turn and Talk
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Exam Question: Explain / How this influences…
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
TRINITY. ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain Christian beliefs about the oneness of God and the Trinity with reference to sacred writing. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON 50-60 MINS
IDEAL FOR KS3 LESSON OR KS4 CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
PRIOR LEARNING: None required
INCLUDES RELIGIONS
Christianity, Bible and Lord’s prayer
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Group task annotation work sheet
Writing frame
Key term bank
Quote bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation
Annotation
Matching
Discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Modelling
Exam Question: Explain…
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills – refer to sacred writing
• 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
PROBLEM OF EVIL AND THEODICIES. 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
Extra Challenges throughout
Minimal printing. Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically. Customisable Do Now task.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain the evidential and logical problem of evil
Explain three theist responses to the problem of evil
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
FIRST CAUSE ARGUMENT; ENABLES LEARNERS TO EXPLAIN AQUINA’S FIRST CAUSE ARGUMENT WITH REFERENCE TO PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT, EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE INFINITE REGRESS AND UNCAUSED CAUSE. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
50 MINUTE LESSON
GCSE. AQA. THEME: C
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Aquinas
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
• Slides
• Support resource (info sheet)
• Gap fill
• Key terms for reference
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation of argument
Videos
Gap fill
Self-assessment
Discussion
Debate
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Exam (explain) question.
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Recap
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload!
• End task assessment
• Extra challenge
• 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
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS REVISION. AQA. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE RECALL BASED ON STARTER KNOWLEDGE AUDIT.
#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: Create a set of mark schemes for weak areas identified in starter task
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)
Revise your weakest areas of the Christian belief’s topic (identified in starter task)
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.