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.
AQA 12 MARK STUDENT FRIENDLY SUCCESS CRITERIA
This was created during AQA examining training 2023. Senior examiner confirmed this is accurate. It shows exactly how many marks would be given with regards to the following criteria:
Number of points
Number of perspectives
Development: Some/Slight and full development
Number of religious references
How many points should answer the ‘so-what?’ (linking belief to point)
Judgement and conclusion
The resources also shows modelling of the above criteria.
My students know exactly what they need to do to hit or exceed their target as they refer to this every time they answer a 12 mark question. It is glued in the inside cover of their books.
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
This document accompanies the bundle of lessons available in my shop (RELIGION AND LIFE. AQA. ALL LESSONS)
It lists the title and Critical knowledge/Objective for the following lessons:
ORIGINS OF WORLD
ORIGINS OF LIFE
VALUE OF THE WORLD
USE AND ABUSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
VALUE AND ABUSE OF ANIMALS: FOOD
VALUE AND ABUSE OF ANIMALS: FOOD. RELIGIOUS VIEWS
VALUE AND ABUSE OF ANIMALS: MEDICAL AND COSMETIC TESTING
VALUE QUALITY AND SANCTITY OF HUMAN LIFE
ABORTION AND THE LAW
ABORTION AND RELIGION
EUTHANASIA AND THE LAW
EUTHANASIA AND RELIGION
DEATH AND AFTERLIFE
This bundle includes all resources needed to deliver AQA Religious Studies: Islam Practices. It is designed to promote maximum success for ALL learners.
Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lessons.
Date on slide updates automatically
**Resource efficient & easy to follow (note on slides for non-specialists) **
LESSONS INCLUDE:
Salah and Shahada
Zakat and Ramadan
Five Pillars: Hajj
Jihad
Festivals Id’ul-Adha
Festivals: Eid and Ashura
Activities include:
Customisable recap starter (just add two questions), reading and question task, mini-plenary quiz with ‘stretch and challenge’ questions, ‘depth and mastery’ (partnered discussion), debate, ‘Skills mastery’, model answer analysis, exam question with peer assessment & student friendly success criteria.
I hope you enjoy teaching these lessons. Your feedback is most welcome.
RELIGION AND LIFE REVISION. AQA. EFFECTIVE REVISION LESSON. IDEAL FOR RUN UP TO EXAMS.
AIM: Recall ALL key terms and points for ALL 5mk & 12 mk Questions. To improve skills of development and writing conclusions.
HOW: students identify gaps through a knowledge audit. Students fill gaps in knowledge and create revision resource EG flash cards to aid recall.
DIFFERENTIATION: By time: depending on number of gaps students work independently over 1 or more lessons on each of the 4 topics. By Task: depending on predicted grade EG. U-4 no quotes needed 7+ 4 quotes in 12mk questions.
TIMING: Ideally need 2 single lessons (can be done in one if you miss out some steps)
RESOURCES INCLUDED:
• Comprehensive key term knowledge audit
• Complete set of 5mk and 12 mk questions
• Complete set of Quotes from sacred writing
• Models: flash cards, development & conclusion
• Student progress check list
YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE:
• Either flash cards OR if on low budget A4 paper cut in half
• Envelopes/wallets for them to keep cards organised
• INFORMATION to answer questions EG revision guides/their books/your support.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Reviews welcome!
For more quality RS resources visit Examined_Life shop
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
SAWM LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain how, when and why Muslims do ‘Sawm’ (fasting) with reference to scripture. #ENGAGE, DIFFERENTIATE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, REDUCE COGNITIVE OVERLOAD.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA ISLAM PRACTICES
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: Students may know some religious teachings about the Night of Power and origins of the Five Pillars. However this will be revisited in this lesson.
**TASKS INCLUDE: **
Do Now (recap to activate relevant prior knowledge)
Planned questioning.
Chunked activities to prevent cognitive overload
Whole class assessment to check understanding
End task Writing task with sentence starters, key term and quote banks
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Recap (activate prior knowledge)
• Exam skills: Independent Practice
• Planned questioning.
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Reduce cognitive overload
• Differentiation by extra challenges and scaffolding
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 QUALITY RESOURCES VISIT MY SHOP: **
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
‘Crucifixion (reasons why Jesus was crucified)’ will spark your students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain the ‘earthly’ and ‘spiritual’ reason for Jesus’ crucifixion with reference to sacred writing. They will know that Jesus was arrested for blasphemy (earthly reason) and that God planned Jesus’ death to serve as atonement for human sin (Spiritual reason)
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson.
Checks whole class understanding using miniboards (or cold call)
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson.
Date on slide updates automatically.
Resource free** (no printing required)**
Easy to follow (non-specialist friendly, with notes)
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RELIGIOUS STUDIES: RELATIONSHIPS: FAMILY TYPES AND ROLES (Humanism/Islam/Christianity)
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Define different types of families and state which are legal in the UK
• What is the nature of the family
• What is the role of parents and children
• Evaluate whether the nuclear family is the ideal family type
Activities include:
Recap starter, mastery through structured partnered discussion, videos to enrich learning and give writing hands a rest, model answer analysis, exam question with self/peer assessment & student friendly success criteria.
*I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
*
RELATIONSHIPS. AQA. (Christianity, Islam and Humanism). Includes all resources needed to deliver AQA Religious Studies: Relationships; designed to promote maximum success for ALL learners.
Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lessons.
Date on slide updates automatically
**Resource efficient & easy to follow **
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA Religious Studies: Relationships (RELIGIONS: ISLAM/CHRISTIANITY/HUMANISM)
LESSONS INCLUDE:
Marriage and Cohabitation
Sex within and outside of marriage
Divorce
Family types and roles of parents and children. Polygamy, single parent, monogamy, nuclear, same sex parents.
Contraception
Same sex marriage: Catholics, Quakers, Islam, humanist
Gender equality
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading log task, debate, ‘depth and mastery’ (partnered discussion) ‘Skills mastery’, model answer analysis, exam question with peer assessment & student friendly success criteria.
I hope you enjoy teaching these lessons. Your feedback is most welcome.
CRIME: CAUSES, PREVENTION AND RELIGION. 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
Extra challenges throughout
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 causes of Crime
Explain Religious beliefs about the causes of crime
Think about how crime can be prevented by looking at the causes
Explain how religions work to prevent crime
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.
NATURE OF GOD (CHRISTIAN BELIEFS) will spark your students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
• Define 7 key terms used to define God
• Explain these Christian beliefs about the nature of God with reference to sacred writing.
• Evaluate whether a God with these attributes exists
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson.
Checks whole class understanding using miniboards (or cold call)
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
The Crucifixion (Gospel Accounts) will spark your students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain Gospel accounts of the crucifixion and how these show Jesus was divine
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Checks whole class understanding using miniboards or cold call
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question `
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
RESURRECTION (INFLUENCE) will spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain ways the resurrection of Jesus influences Christians today
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Checks whole class understanding using miniboards or cold call
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question `
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
This bundle includes all resources needed to deliver and assess Theme B it is designed to promote maximum progress for ALL learners.
Lessons are concise, comprehensive, **challenging and exam-focused, **
Resource efficient & easy to follow – no glue sticks needed!
Large font is used throughout. The date on slide updates automatically.
**Also included is an optional revision lesson and assessment paper that can be easily adapted. **
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
THEME B. RELIGION AND LIFE: (RELIGIONS: ISLAM/CHRISTIANITY/HUMANISM)
THE ENTIRE THEME IS COMPACTED INTO 9 LESSONS (INCLUDING REVISION AND ASSESSMENT):
Origins of Universe and Life
Environment
Animals
Sanctity and quality of life debate
Euthanasia
Abortion
Death and afterlife
Revision
Assessment
Activities for every lesson include:
Paired Reading log activity, 5 and 12 mark exam question tasks with model answers. Video task to enrich learning and give writing hands a rest! / structured discussion / self/peer assessment with student friendly success criteria. Every task comes with clear instructions.
ISLAM: CRIME AND THE LAW will spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike. Requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ANSWER EXAM QUESTIONS ON:
AQA THEME: CRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Explain Muslim beliefs (with reference to sacred writing) about:
• Shariah Law and State Law
• Unjust Laws
• Fitrah
• Murder, theft and hate crime
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
• Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
• Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
• Checks whole class understanding using miniboards or cold call
• Extra challenges throughout
• SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
KEY (DIFFERENT) BELIEFS IN SUNNI AND SHIA ISLAM. Memorising the key beliefs of Sunni and Shia Islam can be challenging. To aid recall this lesson focuses on the key differences between them. This is best taught after delivering my lesson entitled: ‘shared key beliefs of Sunni and Shia Islam’. This lesson is scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
List Six Articles of Faith and Five Roots of Usul ad-Din
Identify differences between Sunni and Shia core beliefs
Explain core beliefs of Sunni Islam: Angels, Holy books and Predestination
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Checks whole class understanding using miniboards or cold call
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
ORIGINS OF DIVERSITY IN ISLAM will spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain the origins of diversity within in Islam (Sunni and Shia Muslims)
Explain why the imamate is important in Shia Islam
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Checks whole class understanding using hinge questions (miniboards or cold call)
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question `
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
HOW ISLAM BEGAN: PROPHET MUHAMMED will spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain key events in the life of Prophet Muhammad, his teachings and why he is important
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Checks whole class understanding using hinge questions (miniboards or cold call)
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question `
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
IMAMATE (SHIA ISLAM) will spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain the imamate and why it is important in Shia Islam with reference to the Twelvers and the twelve Imams
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Checks whole class understanding using miniboards or cold call
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question `
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
TAWHID will spark students’ curiosity and critical thinking. It’s engaging, scaffolded for accessibility and challenging for academic rigour. It is easy to deliver for specialists and non-specialists alike and requires minimal printing and preparation.
YOUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
EXPLAIN (WITH REFERENCE TO SACRED WRITING)
Sunni and Shia beliefs about Tawhid
Why tawhid is the most important belief in Islam
CONTAINS ALL THE FEATURES OF AN EXCELLENT LESSON:
Do Now retrieval of critical content for this lesson
Tasks broken down to prevent cognitive overload
Checks whole class understanding using miniboards or cold call
Extra challenges throughout
SEN/LA support sheet to promote independence.
Independent practice task:
• Past exam question `
• Clear success criteria
• Writing frames
• Relevant sacred writing
• Key Vocabulary
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Feedback is welcome.
Find more Religious Studies resources and bundles for ALL KEY STAGES at my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life