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.
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.
THEIST RESPONSES TO PROBLEM OF EVIL & EVALUATION ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain three theodicies and evaluate these with reference to sacred writings. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
50 MINUTE LESSON
GCSE. AQA. THEME: C
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Swinburne (free will)
Augustine
Hick (soul making)
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
• Slides
• SEN / LA Support resource (info sheet)
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation of theodicies and evaluation
Ranking
Self-assessment
Discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Exam Question: Explain and evaluate
**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
• 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
FIRST CAUSE ARGUMENT EVALUATION ENABLES LEARNERS TO: EVALUATE THE FIRST CAUSE ARGUMENT WITH REFERENCE TO A VARIETY OF STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND SACRED WRITING. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS,
50 MINUTE LESSON
GCSE. AQA. THEME: C
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Aquinas
Science
Russell
Hume
Genesis (Christianity)
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
• Slides
• Support resource (info sheet)
• EXAM QUESTION SUCCESS CRITERIA FOR EACH TARGET GRADE
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Recap of argument
Presentation of strengths and weaknesses.
Peer rank
Discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
12-mark (evaluation) Exam question.
**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
• 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
CHRISTIAN VIEWS THE LAW AND CRIME. 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 Christian beliefs about:
• Laws of the state
• Unjust laws
• Biblical moral laws and conscience that guide behaviour
• People who commit: Hate crime, murder and Theft
EVALUATE STATEMENT: Christians should never break the law.
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.
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS REVISION. AQA. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE RECALL BASED ON STARTER KNOWLEDGE AUDIT.
#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: Create a set of mark schemes for weak areas identified in starter task
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)
Revise your weakest areas of the Christian belief’s topic (identified in starter task)
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
FREE RANGE FARMING LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: EVALUATE WHETHER EVERYONE SHOULD BUY FREE RANGE MEAT AND BI-PRODUCTS
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON 50-60 MINS
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE AQA RELIGION AND LIFE
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: INTENSIVE FARMING
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Target Grade descriptors
Writing frame
Key term bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation: strengths and weaknesses
Video note taking
Self-Assessment
Debate
Evaluation Question
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Modelling development
Exam Question: Evaluate
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills
• 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
INTENSIVE FARMING LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: To explain and evaluate the ‘intensive farming’ method. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON 50-60 MINS
GCSE AQA RELIGION AND LIFE
OR KS3 STAND ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: status of animals / humans
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Target Grade descriptors
Writing frame
Key term bank
Quote bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation
Video note taking
Debate
Self-assessment
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Modelling development
Exam Question: Evaluate
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills
• 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
**EXPLOITATION. 50 MINUTES. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. WHOLE CLASS ASSESSMENT. PLANNED QUESTIONING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. DIFFERENTIATED. **
**PEDAGOGY FOCUS: **
Check whole class understanding / address misconceptions (e.g. mini boards/cold call)
I do, we do, you do
Differentiated Tasks
Extra challenges
Scaffolding
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:
Explain different types of exploitation.
Explain religious and non-religious views about exploitation of the poor with reference to scripture.
Domestic servitude is the worst type of exploitation. Evaluate.
TEACH AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON OR
PART OF THEME F: RELIGION, HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE. AQA GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
CRIME AND FORGIVENESS. 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
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 Christian and Islam teachings on forgiveness (including Situation Ethics)
Evaluate whether criminals should be forgiven and given a second chance.
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.
ISLAM: THE LAW AND CRIME. 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 ISLAM BELIEFS ABOUT:
Shariah Law and The law of the land
Unjust laws
Religious laws and conscience
Crime including: Hate crime, murder and Theft
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.
CRUCIFIXION – GOSPEL ACCOUNTS AND HOW THESE SHOW THE DIVINITY OF JESUS. 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
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 Gospel accounts of the crucifixion and how these show Jesus was divine
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
NICENE CREED. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. SINGLE LESSON
Pedagogy Focus:
• Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
• Reduce cognitive overload
• Build on Prior knowledge
• ‘I do, we do, you do’
• Exam skills: refer to a source of authority
No printing. Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain origins of Nicene creed
Explain key beliefs of Christianity with reference to the Nicene Creed
Building on Prior knowledge: Key Christian beliefs: Trinity, incarnation, resurrection
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
WORLD RELIGIONS. KS3 RELIGIOUS STUDIES INTRO LESSON. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING.
#CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. SINGLE LESSON
**Pedagogy Focus: **
• Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
• Reduce cognitive overload
• Build on Prior knowledge
• Appropriate challenge
• SMSC: tolerance and respect
Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically.
**STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO: **
Understand why we learn Religious Studies in School
Identify 5 philosophical attitudes towards the existence of God/s.
Identify the six main religions in the world and list key facts about them
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
JUDAISM: PROPHETS AND COVENANTS. KS3 RELIGIOUS STUDIES. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING.
#PEDAGOGY: CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS.
SINGLE LESSON.
Pedagogy Focus:
• Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
• Reduce cognitive overload
• Build on Prior knowledge
• Appropriate challenge
Features
• Customisable recap ‘do now’ task
• Emphasis on A01 Exam Skills
• NO PRINTING , concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Recall the two most important prophets in Judaism and explain why they are important.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
MODEL ANSWER TO QUESTION: Religious language is best understood cognitively. Discuss. This is A Grade answer meets the following success critiera:
Breadth and Depth drawing on scholars: Ayer, Flew, Plantinga, Alston, Bultmann and Hick
Numerous synoptic links
Sources of authority (Bible)
Evaluation throughout
Thesis and Conclusion
**This essay is aimed to offer clarity on a complex topic. **
**TASK IDEAS **
Students could highlight the above criteria in the answer. Discuss how it meets the success criteria and if it could be improved. They could then copy the highlighted criteria to form an essay plan; take away the model answer and they form their own answer based on the plan.
SANCTITY v QUALITY OF LIFE LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: have a deep understanding of the terms ‘sanctity of life’ and ‘quality of life’ through application to case studies and to evaluate which is most important. This lesson will set them up for success in subsequent lessons on abortion and euthanasia.
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: religious beliefs about creation of life EG ensoulment desirable but not essential
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Several case studies (different circumstances) on euthanasia and abortion
Teachings from Quran and Christianity on sanctity of life
**TASKS INCLUDED: **
• Holy book Quote sorting/matching (Sanctity of life)
• Ranking (Quality of Life)
• Case studies – group study and present
• End Task: Explain how sanctity and quality of life sometimes conflict with reference to a case study and religious teachings
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
Writing an Argument is a fun and engaging lesson aimed to help students construct a sound argument that meets the AQA GCSE success criteria for a 12 mark question.
****NO PRINTING REQUIRED / CUSTOMISABLE RECAP/DO NOW TASK/
Students will
identify the key elements of an argument (12 mk AQA Success Criteria)
Constuct their own 12 mk statements
Justification: Give reasons to agree/disagree with statements
understand the importance of development
understand the importance of scriptural evidence
Answer a 12 mk question in full - you could adapt the question to suit a topic of your choice
Peer assess a 12 mk answer using success criteria
The final task 12 mk question is 'The Shahada is the most important Pillar in Islam. ’ However the final parts of lesson can be adapted to deliver any topic.
CHRISTIANITY & ISLAM: BELIEFS & PRACTICES. REVISION. COMPLETE SET OF EFFECTIVE REVISION LESSONS FOR AQA RELIGIOUS COMPONENT. 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: 1-2 revision lessons for each of the 4 topics.
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
• Instruction slides
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
• A complete set of mark schemes is included for Christian Practices but for Christian beliefs and Islam beliefs and practices you’ll need to provide INFORMATION to answer questions EG revision guides/their books/your support.
INCARNATION Is an engaging and easy to follow lesson for delivering:
KS3 RELIGIOUS STUDIES: CHRISTIANITY
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain Christian beliefs about the incarnation and how this is celebrated at Christmas. Refer to scripture
Activities include:
• Do now and self-assessment.
• Read info answer questions in book
• Pairs: list ways the incarnation is celebrated and why it is celebrated in this way
• Explain Bible quotes about the incarnation
• Whole class assessment. Planned questioning
• Answer question include quotes: explain Christian beliefs about the incarnation and why / how they celebrate it
• Extra challenges
EXAMINED_LIFE RESOURCES ARE SUITABLE FOR SPECIALISTS AND NON-SPECIALISTS
I hope you enjoy delivering this lesson. Your 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
WORLD RELIGIONS INTRO. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING/ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS/ I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. FUN & ENGAGING, VARIETY OF TASKS, MULTI-MEDIA & GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. SUITABLE FOR INTRODUCING STUDENTS TO 4 MAJOR WORLD RELIGIONS.
Pedagogy Focus:
• Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
• I do, we do, you do
• Reduce cognitive overload
• Academic Writing skills
LESSONS INCLUDED:
Key facts about all 6 major world religions
Abrahamic Religions
Key Christian Beliefs
Nicene Creed
Five Pillars intro
Importance of Shahada
Judaism: Prophets and Covenants
Judaism festivals: Passover
Hinduism Part 1
Hinduism Part 2
Writing Arguments part 1 – academic writing skills
Writing Arguments part 2 – academic writing skills
MINIMAL PRINTING, CONCISE. DATE ON SLIDE UPDATES AUTOMATICALLY. EASY TO FOLLOW SUITABLE FOR SPECIALISTS AND NON-SPECIALISTS
**
For religions: Buddhism, Sikhism Humanism, Paganism, Rastafarianism – see my Bundle World Religions 2 **
I hope you enjoy teaching this pack. Your feedback is most welcome.
