**GCSE Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics: Human Rights and Social Justice
**
This lesson is Lesson 1 in ‘Human Rights and Social Justice’, devised as part of a brand new, interleaved scheme of work for GCSE. It is 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.
This scheme of learning has been devised explicitly to support the Recovery Curriculum, interleave learning with previously-learned religious units (Christianity and Islam) and support cognition through interleaving techniques.
Although part of a unit, this lesson can also be taught as a stand-alone lesson, e.g. for revision. The corresponding Work Packs 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, contentious debate on the pandemic, the genocide of the Uighur Muslims and other cruccurrent 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 particularly useful if you have appropriate curriculum time to cover the content of the course. Unfortunately, I know this is not the case across all schools, and therefore the Work Pack helps by supporting 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 due to how meticulous the support is throughout all planning stages. 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!
This revision lesson aims to review Theme C: Existence of God and Revelation. The accompanying PowerPoint gives guidance and goes through the answers with the students, providing modelled written responses, where relevant.
It is created with the AQA GCSE in mind, though is adaptable across specifications.
The PowerPoint includes:
Aims of the lesson
Key Words
First Cause Argument, including analysis
Design argument, including analysis
Miracles and David Hume
Revelation
Criticisms from science
Reality/illusion debate
The activities are a collection of time-saving revision activities that minimalise writing, making the lesson suitable for all learners. Answers are also embedded into the PowerPoint via attractive and engaging animations.
The learning mat is one-sided A3 (Word) and A4 (PDF) and correspond with the work on the PowerPoint. All resources are available in their original Microsoft Word format, though can be downloaded as PDFs too, for compatibility purposes.
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 revision lesson aims to prepare students for an upcoming assessment or exam for the ‘Philosophy and Ethics’ or 'Themes’ element of their GCSE in time-saving and engaging methods.
This lesson explores common cores to all units. Within AQA, there are 6 P&E units, so covering all in one lesson would be impossible. Therefore, I have created a ‘common core’ lesson that provides the foundation and support required for all units.
It is created with the AQA GCSE in mind, though is adaptable across specifications. The only difference would be the way in which some of the key words are spelled in Islam, e.g. ‘Mecca/Makkah’ however this is not considered when awarding SPAG anyway. In addition, the original editable documents are included, so you can tailor the language/spellings for your class/qualification.
The PowerPoint includes:
Aims of the lesson
Authority and Influences
Key Christian Teachings and Interpretations
Humanist Beliefs and Values
Case Studies
Debate Skills - Analysis and Evaluation
The activities are a collection of time-saving revision activities that minimalise writing, making the lesson suitable for all learners. Answers are also embedded into the PowerPoint via attractive and engaging animations.
The corresponding learning mat is two-sided (one side for Islam, another for Christianity) and correspond with the work on the PowerPoint. All resources are available in their original Microsoft Word format, though can be downloaded as PDFs too, for compatibility purposes.
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!
These analysis mind maps sumarise each topic by page for the whole unit of Philosophy of Religion (AS and A2 years). Each map is downloaded as both a Word document and a PDF, for compatibility.
The maps specifically follow the requirements of the OCR A Level Religious Studies Spec, but due to similarities across specifications they are relevant for other exam boards. They can also be edited easily for other specifications.
They explore appropriate AO1 (knowledge and understanding) followed by AO2 (analysis and evaluation) of that specific point. I encourage my own students to add another layer to the map, evaluating the analysis, to develop their AO2. This could continue on indefinitely or end each ‘arm’ with a personal judgement.
I also like to cut up the maps and ask the student to re-construct them. This aids in their revision skills and supports their logical structuring of arguments.
Maps included:
Ancient Philosophical Influences
Soul, Mind, Body
Teleological Argument
Cosmological Argument
Ontological Argument
Religious Experience
Problem of Evil
Nature of God
Religious Language
20th Century Perspectives
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!
RS KS4 GCSE revision scheme of learning intended to provide a holistic coverage of the course and prepare learners for their GCSE examination with AQA. Exam-style tasks however can be easily altered to suit alternative specifications.
8 sessions/lessons in the unit. Each lesson is intended to last approximately 30-45 minutes long, to optimise memory retention.
Lessons revise the following topics and exam technique:
Christianity
Islam
Parables
Using Quotes
Using Point, Evidence, Explain
Analysis and Evaluation
Humanism and Non-Religious Views
Walk-Through Mock
The lessons include a variety of tasks, from Q&A, video and constructive tasks and exam-style questions with feedback, model answers and assessment. Learning is linked to prior learning from Paper 1 and Paper 2. This is part of an interleaved approach to learning - it is an excellent and quick way to revise the entire content to the course in 8 bite-sized sessions.
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
RS KS4 GCSE revision mini-scheme of learning for Islam: Practices, intended to prepare learners for their GCSE examination with AQA. Exam-style tasks however can be easily altered to suit alternative specifications.
3 lessons in the unit. Each lesson is intended to last approximately 60-90 mins.
Lessons revise the following topics:
*Five Pillars
Ten Obligatory Acts
Festivals
The lessons include a variety of tasks, from Q&A to videos and constructive tasks, to creative work and exam-style questions with feedback, model answers and assessment. Learning is linked to prior learning from the Themes section of the course, identifying where the cross-over of content comes from. This is part of an interleaved approach to learning.
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
RS KS4 GCSE revision mini-scheme of learning for Islam: Beliefs and Teachings, intended to prepare learners for their GCSE examination with AQA. Exam-style tasks however can be easily altered to suit alternative specifications.
3 lessons in the unit. Each lesson is intended to last approximately 60-90 mins.
Lessons revise the following topics:
Sunni/Shi’a
Key Vocabulary
Nature of Allah
Prophets
Holy Books
Angels
Al-Qadr
Afterlife
Judgement Day
The lessons include a variety of tasks, from Q&A to constructive tasks, to creative work and exam-style questions with feedback, model answers and assessment. Learning is linked to prior learning from the Themes section of the course, identifying where the cross-over of content comes from. This is part of an interleaved approach to learning.
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
Arguments from Reason (The Ontological Argument) - full unit of lessons and resources for KS5 / A Level. Designed for the OCR A Level but easily applicable to other specifications.
Unit includes:
Introduction to the Ontological Argument
Embedding the Ontological Argument, including Gaunilo
Descartes and Kant
A priori versus a posteriori arguments
Each lesson comes with specification-relevant knowledge (AO1), questions to develop understanding (AO1), questions to develop analysis and evaluation (AO2). The unit ends with an essay-style question with suitable modelling and a proposed structure.
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!
RS KS4 GCSE revision mini-scheme of learning for Christianity: Beliefs and Teachings, intended to prepare learners for their GCSE examination with AQA. Exam-style tasks however can be easily altered to suit alternative specifications.
3 lessons in the unit. Each lesson is intended to last approximately 60-90 mins.
Lessons revise the following topics:
Nature of God (over 2 lessons)
Creation
Problem of Evil and Suffering
Incarnation and Crucifixion
Resurrection and Salvation
Judgement, Sin and Resurrection
Afterlife, Heaven and Hell
Salvation and Grace
Christian Practices
The lessons include a variety of tasks, from Q&A, video and constructive tasks, to creative work and exam-style questions with feedback, model answers and assessment. Learning is linked to prior learning from the Themes section of the course, identifying where the cross-over of content comes from. This is part of an interleaved approach to learning.
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
RS KS4 GCSE revision mini-scheme of learning for Christianity: Practices, intended to prepare learners for their GCSE examination with AQA. Exam-style tasks however can be easily altered to suit alternative specifications.
3 lessons in the unit. Each lesson is intended to last approximately 60-90 mins.
Lessons revise the following topics:
Worship
Sacraments
Pilgrimage
Role of the Church
Evangelism
Persecution
Reconciliation
Charity
The lessons include a variety of tasks, from Q&A, video and constructive tasks, to creative work and exam-style questions with feedback, model answers and assessment. Learning is linked to prior learning from the Themes section of the course, identifying where the cross-over of content comes from. This is part of an interleaved approach to learning - it is an excellent and quick way to revise the entire content to Christian Practices over three sessions.
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
This resource is a series of three instructional videos (and their accompanying PowerPoints) to cover exam technique in GCSE Religious Studies - AQA specification.
The videos are ideal for home/remote learning - or just as a reminder before sitting formal exams and assessments. In addition, the PowerPoints are also included for classroom practice and for individual teachers to create their own exam technique videos.
There are three videos:
Q1 and Q2 (1-mark and 2-mark questions) - lasting <5 mins
Q3 and Q4 (4-mark and 5-mark questions) - lasting > 10 mins
Q5 (12-mark questions) - lasting >10 mins
Each video explores:
What to expect from each question
Wording of the question
Marks available
How to achieve the marks
Sample questions
Sample answers
Exam practise
Scaffolding is included in the videos/Powerpoint.
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!
Religions covered: Christianity and Humanist/Atheism
27 slide PPT, which is editable for your classroom. Two to view as examples.
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 physically engaging and informative revision PowerPoint.
Topics covered:
0. Key Concepts
1. Creation
2. Evolution (+ Big Bang)
3. Stewardship
4. Sanctity of Life
5. Quality of Life
6. Abortion
7. Euthanasia (including hospices)
8. Soul and Afterlife
9. Judgement, Heaven and Hell
10. Funeral Services
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!
These analysis mind maps sumarise each topic by page for the whole unit of Religion and Ethics (AS and A2 years). Each map is downloaded as both a Word document and a PDF, for compatibility.
The maps specifically follow the requirements of the OCR A Level Religious Studies Spec, but due to similarities across specifications they are relevant for other exam boards. They can also be edited easily for other specifications.
They explore appropriate AO1 (knowledge and understanding) followed by AO2 (analysis and evaluation) of that specific point. I encourage my own students to add another layer to the map, evaluating the analysis, to develop their AO2. This could continue on indefinitely or end each ‘arm’ with a personal judgement.
I also like to cut up the maps and ask the student to re-construct them. This aids in their revision skills and supports their logical structuring of arguments.
Maps included:
Natural Law
Situation Ethics
Kantian Ethics
Utilitarianism
Euthanasia
Business Ethics
Meta-Ethics
Conscience
Sexial Ethics
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!
9 topics in one bundle! All units in the Philosophy of Religion section!
Topics include:
Ancient Philosophical Influences
Soul, Mind and Body
Arguments for the Existence of God from Observation
Arguments for the Existence of God from Reason
Religious Experience
Problem of Evil
Nature of God
Religious Language
20th Century Perspectives
This resource is for revision and exam preparation. It is based on the topic-by-page programme I do with my students.
Each topic comes with knowledge (AO1), questions to develop understanding (AO1), questions to develop analysis and evaluation (AO2) and an essay-style question.
This resource is 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!
10 topics in one bundle! All units in the Theology or Developments in Christian Thought section!
Topics include:
Ausgutine on Human Nature
Death and the Afterlife
Knowledge of God’s Existence
Jesus Christ
Christian Moral Principles
Christian Moral Practices
Religious Pluralism
Gender
Secularism
Liberation Theology and Marx
This resource is for revision and exam preparation. It is based on the topic-by-page programme I do with my students.
Each topic comes with knowledge (AO1), questions to develop understanding (AO1), questions to develop analysis and evaluation (AO2) and an essay-style question.
This resource is 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!
Themes: Crime and Punishment (AQA - though applicable across specifications) unit to include PowerPoint-led learning through an engaging and well-designed Work Pack. This revision unit explores all of the nuanced and specialist learning by adopting socially distant teaching techniques.
The PowerPoints aid a ‘plug in and play’ approach to teaching, benefiting both subject specialists and non-subject specialists alike.
In addition, the Powerpoint and the Work Pack now includes all resources that the students need to access an engaging, high-quality education.
Lessons include:
L1 Crime and Punishment, Aims of Punishment, Prisons, Community Service
L2 Corporal and Capital Punishment
L3 Suffering and Forgiveness; Exam Practise
Comprehensive Work Pack also included with a variety of activities.
Scaffolding is included in the Powerpoint itself and also in the Work Pack to ensure maximum engagement and comprehension. Challenges (extension tasks) also exist throughout the unit to further enhance skills and understanding.
There are a variety of knowledge, understanding and evaluation tasks throughout the unit, including video and debate activities that the students always love - year-on-year.
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 5 lessons for the OCR unit on Developments in Christian Thought: Death and the Afterlife. 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 Mats for this topic. In addition, included for free is the Workbook for home-study and revision!
Lessons are:
Intro and Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
Heaven
Hell
Purgatory
Election
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 one-to-two-hour lessons for the OCR unit on Philosophy of Religion: Arguments (for the existence of God) based on observation, though could be applied across specifications. Lessons cover a variety of tasks, activities and learner styles, geared towards the final exam.
FREE with this unit is the A3 and A4 Learning Mats / Revision Mat for this topic, and the Word/PDF Workbooks.
Lessons are:
Teleological Argument
Cosmological Argument
Challenging the Arguments
Each lesson also includes assessment of the arguments proposed and an essay-style question for discussion and development.
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!
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!
This is a unit of 3 one-to-two-hour lessons for the OCR unit on Philosophy of Religion: The Problem of Evil, though could be applied across specifications. Lessons cover a variety of tasks, activities and learner styles, geared towards the final exam.
FREE with this unit is the A3 and A4 Learning Mats / Revision Mat for this topic, and the Word/PDF Workbooks.
Lessons are:
Presentations of the problem of evil
Augustine’s Theodicy
Irenaeaus and Hick
Each lesson also includes assessment of the arguments proposed and an essay-style question for discussion and development.
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!