A lesson suitable for KS3, KS4 and KS5 - in my experience all students love to try out meditative yoga, whatever age they are. The teacher input can vary depending on age and ability, but there is scope to delve deeper into the relationship between Atman and Brahman and Moksha and A-level students tend to give much more analytical answers when reflecting on their experience of the meditation. This works best when the teacher gets the whole class involved and is also confident to participate in the meditation themselves (in my experience). On slide 2 it goes through the 8 stages of meditative yoga in Hinduism and I tend to attach a student action to each one, e.g. abstention involves them giving up their shoes or mobile phone, for the duration of the meditation. There should be no problem with 100% student engagement if this is the case - I always get fantastic feedback, especially from students who are usually difficult to keep quiet. Likewise, be confident to ask the whole class to get comfortable in a specific position and practice deep breathing. Most importantly, all students (and the teacher) should close their eyes during the meditation.

AQA syllabus Religious Studies for Philosophy and Ethics. An A-level lesson introducing the concept of philosophy with a particular focus on exploring meta-ethics. There is an outline of the major branches of philosophy introduced through video clips from popular Hollywood films to allow students to connect with the quite abstract nature of philosophical inquiry; meta-physics, epistemology, meta-ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language and ethics. If watching all clips and allowing for discussion of student understanding, this can last a full 60 minute lesson, This is followed by a peer-teach style lesson on meta-ethics, where peer-teachers are chosen from among the students (I usually choose high ability) and the rest of the class carousel between them to gather information. This is followed by a reflection using De Bono's Hats. The meta-ethics element of the lesson can also be stretched to last 60 minutes, making this cover 2 sessions. This lesson always divides the class into those inspired and those who feel their brain has been squashed - I love teaching it.

A lesson suitable for GCSE or A-level as an introduction the Jeremy Bentham's Hedonic Calculus in moral decision making. Introduces the concept of calculating pleasure through a number of daily routines which will make it easier for students to get to grip with each of the 7 factors in the calculus, before going on to applying them to moral dilemmas. Students then have a chance to assess the benefits and drawbacks of the Hedonic Calculus in writing. A scrabble themed plenary adds some literacy and a competitive element to the lesson.

A lesson suitable for GCSE or A-level Philosophy and Ethics to introduce Jeremy Bentham and his concept of Hedonism in moral decision making. Includes an introduction to the notions of Teleology, Utility and happiness in Utilitarian morality. Includes a 'peer teach' activity which always goes down extremely well with students - I usually choose the most able students in a class to become 'teachers' and ask them to relate the information to the rest of the class in groups, which then rotate from teacher to teacher every few minutes. (NOTE: at GCSE this PPT will take 2 lessons of 60 minutes, whereas A-level students normally manage in 1). There are also 3 moral dilemmas for students to apply Bentham's ideas to which engages even the most dis-disillusioned students.

KS3 lesson on the Bible as a source of authority in Christianity following the NEW SACRE KS3 specification for Religious Studies. The focus of the lesson is on independent and peer-to-peer learning and encourages the use of HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills). Also ideal as a recap or 'skeleton' lesson for KS4 students.

A Philosophy for Children lesson focused on moral evil and the role and responsibility of humans as the primary cause of suffering. Explore the reason why people pray to God and how God should respond to prayers relating to evil and suffering.

GCSE lesson on the teachings of Jesus, including focus on the 'Sermon on the Mount' and the importance of Jesus' sacrifice. Follows the 'NEW' Edexcel GCSE specification.

A GCSE or A-level lesson introducing the Hindu deity Brahman and the concept of unity under one God. Includes a visual starter for students to analyse pictures of Hindu deities to understand Brahman's characteristics through symbolism. Main task focuses on the use of sources of wisdom and authority from the Upanishads. Students then get a chance to be creative and practice their persuasive writing by creating a 'letter of application' from Brahman's perspective for the position of God.

NEW GCSE Edexcel RS specification on Matters of Life and Death. A lesson inspired by philosophical enquiry and focusing on the Humanist response to belief in life after death. An excellent lesson to get students thinking about 'life after death' in general and therefore suitable as a KS3 lesson on 'big questions' as well as for KS4 on non religious arguments against belief in life after death, or alternatively as a revision lesson for KS5. A very student centred lesson with plenty of opportunities for independent enquiry and team work as well as active participation.

A GCSE or A-level lesson introducing Situation Ethics and Joseph Fletcher's core principle of Agape. Introduces the Working and Fundamental principles which govern moral decision making in Situation Ethics. Each task is designed and differentiated to work either as written work or class based discussion. The attached work sheet gives a summary of Situation Ethics which students have found very helpful for revision.

A lesson suitable for GCSE or A-level to introduce John Stuart Mill's development of Jeremy Bentham's concept of Utilitarianism. Introduces 'Rule Utilitarianism' as well as the notions of higher and lower pleasure and allows students to compare the 'Principle of Utility' with the 'Greatest Happiness Principle'.

A selection of 34 - tried and tested - colourful and captivating pictures that will engage your students and motivate them to engage in Religious Studies lessons. Covering all major faiths and philosophy, they are perfect as presentation backgrounds (think powerpoint) or as hooks on individual slides.

A Philosophy for Children lesson suitable for KS3, exploring the concept of philosophy and facilitating independent thinking about the origins of the universe. Key words: God, Looking for God, who is God, did God make the world, philosophy, what is philosophy, the universe, who created the universe, the nature of God, KS3, RE, beliefs and values,

A Philosophy for Children lesson focusing on the nature of evil and suffering, including the concept of both moral and natural evil and evaluating the Christian concept of God as omni-benevolent.

GCSE lesson on scientific views on the origins of the world, focusing on the Big Bang including an activity sheet with evidence for the Big Bang. Follows the 'NEW' Edexcel specification for the 2017/8 GCSE in Religious Studies.

GCSE lesson on the attitude to divorce in the UK, including the legality of divorce as well as viewpoints from Protestant and Catholic Christians. Should be used with the worksheet and information PPT. Follows the 'NEW' Edexcel GCSE specification.

GCSE lesson on the use of different types of prayer in Christianity, with specific focus on the difference between extempore and formulaic prayer. Incorporating the 'Lord's prayer' and a creative activity where students can create their own extempore prayer.

NEW GCSE Edexcel RS specification lesson on the purpose and importance of marriage for Christians. Comparison of Christian and non-religious views regarding the importance of marriage in the UK today.

NEW GCSE Edexcel RS specification on Matters of Life and Death. Lesson focusing on sources of wisdom and authority from Christianity concerning attitudes to and belief in life after death. The main task is a practice GCSE question following the new specification requirements with a broken down student-friendly mark scheme for self- or peer-assessment. Plenary includes a plenary wheel with eight possible plenaries which always goes down really well with students.

A lesson exploring the relationship between the Tri-Murti and Brahman in Hinduism focusing on the characteristics of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in relation to Brahma as a whole. Suitable for all Key Stages - but especially effective at GCSE or A-level. Video clip to play in conjunction with slide 4 - what is a mum?.