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.
ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT. PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION OCR A LEVEL. MODEL ANSWER: TO WHAT EXTENT DOES KANT SUCCESSFULLY CRITICISE THE ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT?
Exemplar Essay: Thesis, body and conclusion
Demonstrates OCR success criteria for a top-level answer.
INCLUDES REFERENCE TO SCHOLARS:
Descartes, Anselm, Gaunilo, Kant
SOURCES OF WISDOM:
Bible
CORPORAL AND CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT. PLANNED QUESTIONING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. DIFFERENTIATED. MODEL ANSWER INCLUDED. RELIGIONS: CHRISTIANITY & ISLAM
**PEDAGOGY FOCUS: **
Check whole class understanding and address misconceptions throughout (e.g. mini-boards or cold call)
I do, we do, you do
Compulsory 7+ Challenges throughout
Differentiated End Task
Dedicated improvement: model answer included
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 sacred writing)
• List advantages and disadvantages of Capital and Corporal punishment
• Evaluate with reference to religious sources of authority whether Capital and corporal punishment should be used.
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.
Sunni and Shia Islam key beliefs. Six articles of faith and five roots. This lesson enables learners to: recall and explain both the six articles and five roots. #engage, check understanding, correct misconceptions, differentiate, reduce cognitive overload.
TWO SINGLE LESSONS. CHUNKED WITH FREQUENT WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT.
AS THIS IS A CONTENT HEAVY SUBTOPIC WITH ARABIC TERMS AS WELL AS BELIEFS OF BOTH DENOMINATIONS TO REMEMBER I HAVE CHUNKED CONTENT AND INCLUDED FREQUENT WHOLE CLASS FEEDBACK. ACRONYMS ARE ALSO PROVIDED TO AID RECALL.
LESSON INCLUDES INFORMATION SHEETS.
Lesson one focuses on the similarities eg tawhid and prophethood with some differences eg imamate in shia islam and sunni beliefs in angels and holy books. This will prepare them well for lesson to which begins with recall of these key beliefs and then proceeds to deliver the remaining key beliefs of shia and sunni. This has proven very effective with my students in terms of recalling the six articles and five roots and explaining these with reference to scripture.
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA ISLAM BELIEFS OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: Students should have some knowledge of Tawhid, imamate and knowledge of the Shia/Sunni divide following death of Prophet Muhammed.
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills – development
• Recap (activate prior knowledge)
• 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
DESIGN ARGUMENT & CRITICISMS. AQA RS Theme C. Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused. Date on slide updates automatically. **Resource light **. Easy to follow (with notes)
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS Theme C: The design Argument and criticisms
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Evaluate the claim that an omnibenevolent and omnipotent God designed this world.
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading and question 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 this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Using Animals for food and cosmetic/medical testing (Religion and Use of Animals) Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson Suitable for a double lesson.
Resource light- easy to follow. Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Theme B: Animals
Students will be able to:
• Explain the various ways we use animals
• Explain Christian and Islam teachings about the different uses of animals.
• Evaluate whether humans should test on animals.
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Videos / discussion Peer assessment.
Theme C. Knowledge of God’s Existence. AQA. A 1-sided sheet of quotes from Christianity and Islam Holy Books to glue in books. This resource along with SOL and glossary is free with (and complements) the Theme C #FUN LESSONS PACK (found in my shop - link below)
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/theme-c-pack-12470112
Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson. Date on slide updates automatically.
Resource light & easy to follow
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
THEME B. RELIGION AND LIFE: ORIGINS OF UNIVERSE AND LIFE (ISLAM/CHRISTIANITY/HUMANISM)
**
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):**
With reference to sources of authority:
• Explain two similar religious views about the origins of life and the universe. 5 marks
• The Bible tells Christians all they need to know about creation. Evaluate. 12 marks
Activities include:
Paired Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Video task to enrich learning and give writing hands a rest! / structured discussion / self/peer assessment with success criteria.
Concise, comprehensive and** challenging exam-focused lesson** Date on slide updates automatically.
*Resource light & easy to follow *
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
THEME B. RELIGION AND LIFE: LIFE AFTER DEATH (ISLAM/CHRISTIANITY/HUMANISM)
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain how belief in the afterlife influences believers
• Evaluate whether it is reasonable to believe in life after death
Activities include:
Paired Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Video task to enrich learning and give writing hands a rest! / structured discussion / self/peer assessment with success criteria.
Islam Practices Revision of the following topics: Risalah, Festivals, Ramadan and Sources of Authority
Concise, compressive and challenging exam-focused revision lesson Suitable for a double lesson. Resource light- easy to follow. Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Islam Beliefs and Practices
Students will be able to:
• Explain the meaning of all festivals and how they are celebrated
• Evaluate the importance and role of the prophets in Islam
• Explain the meaning of Ramadan and how it is practiced
• Evaluate which has the most authority, Hadith or the Quran
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Peer assessment.
CHRISTIAN WORSHIP (Christian Beliefs AQA) RESOURCE FREE LESSON
Suitable for a single lesson. No printing required and easy to follow
Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Christian Beliefs / Worship and Prayer
Students will be able to:
• Explain various styles of worship
• Evaluate each style of worship pointing out the strengths of each
• Explain why the Lord’s Prayer is important to Christians
Activities include:
Matching definition to images / paired discussion / writing tasks with writing frames e.g. Evaluate question with sentence starters
Sanctity/Quality of Life: Abortion & Euthanasia (Christianity, Islam, Humanism). Theme B AQA. Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson Suitable for revision but prior knowledge not necessary. Double lesson.
**Resource light- easy to follow. **Suitable for delivering:
AQA Theme B Sanctity/Quality of Life: Abortion & Euthanasia (Christianity, Islam, Humanism)
Students will be able to:
Explain two similar beliefs about the sanctity of life. 5 mks
Evaluate: Abortion is always wrong. 12 mks
Explain two contrasting beliefs about euthanasia. 5 mks
Evaluate: Quality of life is more important than sanctity of life. 12 mks
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Video tasks (to give their writing hands a rest!) and Peer assessment with success criteria.
Your reviews are very welcome
Marriage, Same sex parenting & Contraception. AQA RELATIONSHIPS: Students will learn: Purpose of marriage, same sex marriage and parenting, families, contraception. Concise, comprehensive, challenging and exam-focused revision or lesson (no prior knowledge necessary)
Double lesson (or easily divided into 2 x single lessons) **Resource light- easy to follow. **
Suitable for delivering: AQA Theme: Relationships (Christianity, Islam, Humanism)
Content includes: Purpose of marriage, same sex marriage & parents, families, contraception
Students will be able to:
• Explain two contrasting religious beliefs about contraception
• Evaluate whether same sex marriage is acceptable
• Explain two similar religious beliefs about the purpose of marriage
• Evaluate whether Marriage is outdated
• Explain two similar beliefs about same sex parenting
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Structured discussion/ Optional video tasks to enrich learning and give their writing hands a rest, Peer/self assessment with success criteria.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson, your feedback is most welcome.
JESUS: LIFE, DEATH & LEGACY. AQA RELIGIOUS STUDIES: Christianity: Life, Death & Legacy (Great Commission) of Jesus. Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. Date on slide updates automatically
DOUBLE LESSON EASILY BE SPLIT INTO 2 SINGLE LESSONS
Resource light
Easy to follow (with notes)
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RELIGIOUS STUDIES: Christianity: Life, Death & Legacy (Great Commission) of Jesus
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, 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 this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
SCIENCE AND GOD. AQA RS THEME C: ARGUMENTS FROM SCIENCE AGAINST THE EXISTENCE OF GOD. Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. Resource light – one resource to print (information sheet). Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists (notes on slides). Date on slide updates automatically
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS Theme C: Arguments from Science against the existence of God
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Evaluate whether belief in science and God are compatible
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading and question 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 this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
FIRST CAUSE ARGUMENT AND EVALUATION. AQA RS THEME C. Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. Resource light
Easy to follow (with notes) . Date on slide updates automatically
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS Theme C: The First Cause Argument and evaluation
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Evaluate the claim that The First Cause argument successfully proves that existence of God
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading and question 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 this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
AIMS OF PUNISHMENT. CHRISTIANITY. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. DIFFERENTIATED.
PEDAGOGY FOCUS:
Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
Reduce cognitive overload
I do, we do, you do
Extra Challenges throughout
Differentiated tasks
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 contrasting Christian attitudes towards aims of punishment with reference to holy books
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.
AFTERLIFE. CONTRASTING CHRISTIAN BELIEFS ABOUT RESURRECTION, JUDGEMENT AND AFTERLIFE. AQA. 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
Exam skills: Strong religious reference, development, 1 and 2 mk questions
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):
Recall contrasting Christian beliefs about resurrection, judgement, and the afterlife
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
USING ANIMALS FOR HUMAN BENEFIT. CHRISTIANITY. THIS ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain contrasting Christian views on using animals for food, cosmetic testing, and medical research (with reference to sacred writing)
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
50 MINUTE LESSON
Suitable for GCSE or High ability KS3 classes
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity
Stewardship
Dominion
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Writing frame
Key term bank
Quote bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation
Quote analysis and group discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Exam Question: Explain contrasting Christian views…
**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
• NO 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
GENERAL REVELATION. EVALUATION LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Evaluate whether general revelation is the most reliable source of knowledge of the divine. (with reference to 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: Nature of God, Special revelation, Design argument, Four kinds of General revelation
**INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS: **
Fundamentalist, liberal, Calvin, Christianity, Islam. Bible, Quran.
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Worksheet (strengths and weaknesses of 4 kinds of Gen. Revelation)
Target Grade descriptors
Writing frame
Key term bank
Quote bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Discussion: strengths and weaknesses of four kinds of Gen. Revelation
Quote Matching
Self-Assessment
Evaluation Question
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Modelling development
Exam Question: Evaluate
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills - evaluate
• 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
TRINITY AND ONENESS OF GOD. 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, development
Extra Challenges throughout
Minimal printing. Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically. Customisable Do Now task.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
To analyse Nicene creed
Explain doctrinal concept of the trinity with reference to a source of authority
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.