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.
CREATION (ORIGINS OF UNIVERSE. AQA THEME B) LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO EXPLAIN IN DETAIL CONTRASTING VIEWS WITHIN AND BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM AND HUMANISM ABOUT THE CREATION OF THE WORLD. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B RELIGION & LIFE
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: HOLY BOOKS OF ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY. SOME KNOWLEDGE OF SCIENTIFIC/GENESIS ACCOUNT OF CREATION USEFUL BUT NOT ESSENTIAL
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity: creationists and liberals
Islam: creationists and liberals
Humanism / Science
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Target Grade descriptors for 12 mk question
Model Answer
Paired ‘we do’ task
Quotes/Key term bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
• Customisable Do Now followed by a short engaging starter considering both the start and the end (big freeze) of the universe according to science.
• Interactive reading of a model answer with planned questioning
• Partners complete short work sheet based on the model answer to prepare them to later write their own independently
• whole class assessment (planned questioning) to check for misconceptions before the end task
• End Task: students work independently in silence to write a response to a 12 mark question using success criteria
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills
• Recap
• Planned questioning
• Check whole class understanding.
• Address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload
• End task assessment
• Differentiation
• Challenge
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
Pilgrimage: Christian Practices #FUN LESSONS. A fun and engaging lesson with a variety of games, tasks and use of multimedia to stimulate learning. It is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused. You’ll find it concise and easy to follow making it suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike. It covers GCSE content as well as A Level material to stretch and challenge.
There will be an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in exam questions. Assessment and extra challenges throughout
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
‘Pilgrimage – Christian Practices’
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• To explain reasons for pilgrimage in Christianity
• To explain two contrasting examples of Christian pilgrimage
• Evaluate which is the most important practice in Christianity
Activities/resources include:
Customisable recap do-now starter
a variety of tasks e.g. Tour Guide presentation, quiz, discussion, exam questions. To gain an in-depth understanding of:
• Importance of pilgrimage
• Three places of pilgrimage: Lourdes, Iona, Jerusalem
• A level stretch: religious experience
• recap all Christian practices along with reasons why they are important and relevant sources of authority
• Evaluate which are the most and least important Christian practices
•
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
REVELATION (FAITH & GRACE) KNOW. OF GOD’S EXISTENCE (DCT) A LEVEL
• A fun and engaging lesson with a variety of multi-media, games and tasks and to stimulate learning. It is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused.
• Resource light, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
• Suitable for specialists and non-specialists.
Emphasis on exam skills: assessment and extra challenges throughout.
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
Explain the view that Christians can know God by revelation through faith and grace
Fully resourced activities include:
Customisable recap starter, Video learning: what is faith? What does faith reveal about God? Explain different philosophical perspectives on faith. Draw illustrations to show Bonaventure’s view on how God is known. Bible quote analysis task, comparative analysis: Kierkegaard/Bonaventure, A01 writing task, A02 writing challenge.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
NATURAL THEOLOGY: KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S EXISTENCE (DCT) A LEVEL. #FUN LESSONS. A fun and engaging lesson with a variety of tasks and to stimulate learning. It is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused.
• Resource light, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
• Suitable for specialists and non-specialists.
Emphasis on exam skills: assessment and extra challenges throughout.
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
Explain the view that Christians can know God through Natural Theology
Fully resourced activities include:
Customisable recap starter, create illustrations to demonstrate views of Polkinghorne and Boyle, sort quotes into natural / revealed theology, group discussion (sensus divinitus, conscience as proof of God), mind-mapping of key thinkers and claims, A01 writing task, A02 evaluation challenge.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
ISLAM PRACTICES: SALAH - PRAYER # FUN LESSONS. A fun and engaging lesson with a variety of tasks, multi-media and games to stimulate learning. It is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused.
• Resource light, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
• Suitable for specialists and non-specialists.
Emphasis on exam skills: Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO (WITH REFERENCE TO SOURCE OF AUTHORITY):
• Explain why Muslims pray
• Explain how Muslims pray
• Explain why Friday prayers are important
• Explain differences of prayer between Shia and Sunni Muslims
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
OCR A LEVEL RELIGIOUS STUDIES: ANCIENT PHILOSOPHICAL INFLUENCES
A GRADE MODEL ANSWER: Critically discuss Plato’s realm of the forms (understanding of ultimate reality)
This answer meets success criteria:
Breadth and Depth drawing (scholars)
Numerous synoptic links
Sources of authority (Bible)
Evaluation throughout
Thesis and Conclusion
This essay is aimed to offer clarity on a complex topic and to demonstrate success criteria for an A grade
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.
OCR A LEVEL RELIGIOUS STUDIES: PERSON OF JESUS
A GRADE MODEL ANSWER: Jesus was merely a political liberator. Discuss
This answer meets success criteria:
Breadth and Depth drawing (scholars)
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.
ORIGINS OF UNIVERSE AND LIFE: SCIENCE AND RELIGION. AQA RELIGION & LIFE . FUN & ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS, MULTI-MEDIA & GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGING, MASTERY & EXAM SKILLS FOCUSED. SUITABLE FOR SPECIALISTS & NON-SPECIALISTS.
Emphasis on exam skills. Assessment and Extra challenges throughout.
Resource light, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO (WITH REFERENCE TO SOURCE OF AUTHORITY)
Explain origins of universe and life according to: Science
Explain origins of universe and life according to: Religion (Christianity & Islam)
Explain contrasting views within Christianity on the origins of the universe and life
Evaluate: God created the universe and life
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
FIVE PILLARS INTRODUCTION: ISLAM. FUN AND ENGAGING . VARIETY OF TASKS, MULTI-MEDIA AND GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGING, MASTERY AND EXAM SKILLS FOCUSED.
SUITABLE FOR SPECIALISTS AND NON-SPECIALISTS.
• Emphasis on exam skills: Modelling, Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
• Minimal printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO (WITH REFERENCE TO THE QURAN):
Explain the five pillars and how each influences the life of a Muslim.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
EXEMPLARY ANSWER. OCR A LEVEL RELIGIOUS STUDIES: KNOWLEDGE OF GOD (DCT) A GRADE MODEL ANSWER: TO WHAT EXTENT CAN GOD BE KNOWN THROUGH THE NATURAL WORLD? DISCUSS. 40 MKS
This answer meets success criteria:
Breadth and Depth drawing (scholars)
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.
DIVINE OMNIBENEVOLENCE AND JUSTICE. OCR A2 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION: ATTRIBUTES OF GOD. FUN AND ENGAGING LESSON. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGING, MASTERY AND EXAM SKILLS FOCUSED.
• This lesson is aimed to offer clarity on a complex topic
• Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
• Minimal printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Critically assess the philosophical problems of attributing omnibenevolence to God. 40 marks
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
SEXUAL ETHICS: NATURAL LAW. OCR A2 SEXUAL ETHICS. 100 MINUTE LESSON. FUN AND ENGAGING LESSON WITH A VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGE AND MASTERY FOCUSED.
• Aimed to offer clarity on a complex topic
• Emphasis on Exam Skills
• Assessment (planned no hands up questioning) and extra challenges throughout.
• Minimal printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Recall main teachings of Natural Law
Apply teachings of Natural Law to sexual relationships
Evaluate whether natural law is useful in making moral decisions about sexual ethics
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
TEN OBLIGATORY ACTS. ISLAM PRACTICES. AQA. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. 50 MIN LESSON
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain the Ten Obligations of Shia Islam with reference to scripture
PEDAGOGY FEATURES:
• Customisable Do Now
• Whole Class assessment
• Check understanding and address misconceptions throughout
• Reduce cognitive overload
• I do, we do, you do
• Exam skills: Strong religious reference and development
• Extra Challenges
PRIOR LEARNING: FIVE PILLARS, ALMS GIVING, JIHAD
Minimal printing. Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson.
Your feedback is welcome.
THE PROBLEM OF EVIL ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain the evidential and logical problem of evil and HOW this challenges arguments for God’s existence
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
50 MINUTE LESSON
GCSE. AQA. THEME: C
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity (Bible)
Humanism
Mackie
Elie Wiesel (Holocaust survivor)
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
• Key terms for reference (one per group)
• Slides
• Support resource (info sheet)
• Exam question success criteria for each target grade (differentiate)
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation of argument
Match/Sort activity
Self-assessment
Discussion
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Exam Question: Explain
**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
Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson.
Date on slide updates automatically
Resource light
Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists (notes on slides)
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS ISLAM PRACTICES: Zakat and Ramadan (Pillars 3-4)
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain two Muslim beliefs about Zakat
• Evaluate whether Ramadan is the most important Pillar in Islam
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading and question task, ‘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.
Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. Activities get increasingly more difficult, following Blooms taxonomy.
Date on slide updates automatically
Resource light
Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists (notes on slides)
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS THEME C: General Revelation
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain types of general revelation
• Explain two ways in which General revelation influences Christians today.
• General revelation proves the existence of God. Evaluate.
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 this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Concise, comprehensive. ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson.
Date on slide updates automatically
Resource light
Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists (notes on slides)
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA THEME C SPECIAL REVELATIONS (Christianity)
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Define Special Revelation
• Explain examples of Special Revelations in Christianity
• Evaluate the statement: Special Revelations prove that God and holy figures exist using developed points.
Activities include:
Recap starter, reading and question task, ‘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 this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
PLATO’S SUBSTANCE DUALISM & VIEW OF THE SOUL + EVALUATION
#FUN LESSONS. OCR - SOUL, MIND AND BODY. Concise, easy to follow and comprehensive, ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson.
MINIMAL PRINTING
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
A LEVEL: SOUL, MIND AND BODY CAN BE ADAPTED FOR VARIOUS EXAM BOARDS
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
Explain strengths and weaknesses of Plato’s substance dualism
*Answer 40 mk exam question: Evaluate whether Plato’s belief in a separate body and soul is convincing.
Activities include:
Customisable recap starter (just add two questions). Tasks to link to prior learning. Analysis of Plato’s main claims with paired discussion on strengths and weaknesses, frequent mini-plenaries, reading and writing tasks. Analysis of model answer with success criteria provided. Culminating in a written 40 mk question activity, model answer & student friendly success criteria provided.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Trinity and Oneness of God - AQA RS CHRISTIAN BELIEFS #FUN LESSONS.
Concise and easy to follow, ‘MASTERY’ and EXAM SKILLS focused lesson. Students will learn the GCSE content plus dip into some relevant A Level material. There will be an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in 12 mk questions.
Date on slide updates automatically
Resource light
Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS CHRISTIAN BELIEFS: Trinity and Oneness of God
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• To analyse key Christian creeds and explain the doctrinal concept of the trinity, Homoousios and hypostatic union.
• Evaluate whether God can be both immanent and transcendent
Activities include:
Customisable recap do-now starter, a variety of tasks to learn:
The Nicene creed and how it demonstrates that God is three persons in one, the roles of the three persons of the trinity, the Christian concepts of Homoousios and hypostatic union. How the trinity and beliefs of omnipotence and omnipresence can be used to argue that God is both transcendent and immanent. Writing task that focuses on skills of justification and strong religious reference with modelling.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Person of Jesus: Crucifixion / CHRISTIAN BELIEFS/AQA/ A concise and easy to follow, ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused lesson. Students will learn the GCSE content plus be challenged by dipping into some relevant A Level material. There will be an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in evaluation questions. Mini plenary’s and extra challenges throughout
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
Crucifixion: Person of Jesus / Christian Beliefs
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• To explain Christian beliefs about the earthly and spiritual reasons for Jesus crucifixion.
Activities include:
Customisable recap do-now starter, a variety of tasks to learn about:
Sinful nature of human beings
The nature of atonement and Jesus role in this
The Four Gospel accounts: comparative analysis
Spiritual and earthly reasons for his death
Time line from arrest to death
Non-Christian sources of the Crucifixion
Exam skills: 5 mark answer with model answer full self-assessment
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.