This unit of work has been created to offer and introduction and context for the new RE GCSE, and thus is assessed in the style of GCSE assessments. However, it provides a more creative and in depth look at Christian beliefs and practices that is suitable for a Year 9/high ability KS3 group. There is a creative formative assessment (writing a modern day parable) to reflect this, as well as a GCSE style summative assessment with marks scheme. This unit is fully resourced, but please note there are some activities that use the new AQA GCSE 9-1 text book, and some activities that use the Hodder Education Christianity Religious Studies A text book. However, the unit can be taught without these activities. Credit to free resources from RE Today in lesson 1-3, and an excellent free Tes resource on Pilgrimage (apologies, cannot find name of seller, but this is work that was shared on Tes previously).

The first lesson i teach in the AQA spec, 2A Buddhism content, offering an introduction to the person of Siddhartha Gautama and a record of him seeing the 4 sights. Also contains a blank glossary of key terms for students to fill in over the course. Suitable for adaptation to other A level exam boards

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 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.

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.

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.

KS3 unit of work for Citizenship following recommendations from the National Curriculum. This unit is taught to Year 8 but can be scaled up or down for any KS3 year group. Lessons (1 hour) have a corresponding booklet for students to complete as they go, there is also a knowledge organiser which can be set for homework. Topics covered with a UK focus: Rule of Law Role of Police Justice System Voluntary Organisations How can I be financially responsible? How can I be a good citizen in school?

5 lesson series on Citizenship for Year 7, but can be scaled up to any KS3 year group. This covers key National Curriculum content on systems of government, the British monarchy, British Values, and the role of citizens in the UK. Each lesson (1 hour) has a corresponding booklet for students to fill out, and there is a Knowledge Organiser which can be set for homework.

7 lessons on Christian practices, taught to Year 7 but can be adapted to any KS3 year. Each lesson (1 hour) has a booklet which students can fill out as they go.

5 lessons looking at the journey of life in Judaism and Sikhism - beginning with Jewish coming of age rituals, looking at beliefs about the afterlife and funeral customs. Also discusses SIkh views of the afterlife and funeral customs. 1 hour lessons taught to year 9 but can be scaled down to other KS3 classes. Resources include a bespoke booklet for students to complete during class, full SOW and an optional KO that can be set for homework.

A 6 lesson series covering the 6 major world religions with powerpoints, booklet for students to complete corresponding to each lesson (1 hour). This also includes a knowledge organiser that can be set for homework. We teach it to Year 7 to introduce the topic but this can work at any stage in KS3.

A 16 lesson series with SOW and HWK, and revision resources. Utilising the AQA 9-1 text book and the Hodder Education AQA Christianity textbook at times.

Lesson ppt and structured essay plan doc explaining a variety of psychological and sociological views of the conscience. I have also included a completed version of the essay plan for students to use to check their work.