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.
VALUE OF THE UNIVERSE LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: explain a variety of religious and non-religious views on the value of the world and who is responsible for caring for it. Included in the lesson is a PEES paragraph model that I created during my 2023 exam board marking; this is to help students include all of the elements required for a 12/12 answer.
#ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: Some knowledge of Christian and Islam beliefs about creation, stewardship, dominion desirable but not necessary.
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity: creation, stewardship, dominion
Islam: guardianship (khalifah)
Humanism
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Paired task (following modelling of PEES paragraph)
Target Grade descriptors
Writing frame using PEES model
Key term bank
Quote bank
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Presentation
Modelling of PEES paragraph
Pairs worksheet: create a PEES paragraph.
Evaluation Question with prompts to use PEES paragraphs.
Planned questioning to check whole class understanding.
Modelling development
Extra challenges
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills: focus on PEES paragraph and 12 mk answers
• 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
USING ANIMALS FOR TESTING. 12 MK MODEL ANSWER
USING ANIMALS FOR TESTING. 12 MK MODEL ANSWER includes: differences between and within religions, non-religious views. PEES paragraphs remind students to give a Point, Explain, Evidence, and Show meaning of evidence and Link to point.
Ideal for use in AQA Theme B
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Christianity
Islam
Peter Singer
**I HOPE YOU FIND THIS RESOURCE USEFUL.
YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. **
**FOR MORE LESSONS AND RESOURCES VISIT MY SHOP: **
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/Examined_Life
ORIGINS OF LIFE LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: EVALUATE IF IT’S POSSIBLE TO BELIEVE IN SCIENCE AND RELIGIOUS TEACHINGS ON ORIGINS OF LIFE. INCLUDING VIEWS WITHIN AND BETWEEN: CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM AND HUMANISM. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, CHALLENGE.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: some knowledge of Bible creation accounts and principles of evolution desirable but not necessary.
INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS:
Creationism, liberal, Islam and humanism (evolution theory)
**RESOURCES INCLUDED: **
Slides
Target Grade descriptors
Key term bank / Quote bank
group task worksheet
model answer **
**ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: **
Do now (relevant prior knowledge for this lesson)
Teacher interactive Presentation with planned cold call questioning
Group work task
Modelling (exam answer)
Debate
Whole class assessment (planned questioning)
Independent End Task (exam question)
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Recap
• Exam skills
• Check whole class understanding to address misconceptions
• Peer learning
• Reduce cognitive overload & clear teacher explanation
• 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, easy to follow and comprehensive, ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson for High Ability classes
Date on slide updates automatically
**Resource light ** one worksheet per student (includes information)
Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS RELATIONSHIPS/HUMAN RIGHTS: CHRISTIANITY
Students will be able to (with STRONG reference to source of authority):
•Evaluate whether men and women are believed to be equal in Christianity by analysing literal and metaphorical interpretations of Genesis (Adam and Eve and the fall of man) as well as studying Mary Magdalene
Activities include:
starter: check understanding of metaphors, 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. Two extra challenge activities.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
SANCTITY VERSUS QUALITY OF LIFE. ABORTION/EUTHANASIA. AQA THEME B: RELIGION AND LIFE. Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson. Resource light & easy to follow.
Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Theme B: SANCITY OF LIFE V QUALITY OF LIFE
Students will be able to:
• the sanctity of life and quality of life debate
• apply concepts of sanctity of life and quality of life to issues of abortion and euthanasia
• Evaluate which is most important Sanctity or Quality of Life
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Videos / discussion Peer assessment.
INTRO TO SIX WORLD RELIGIONS. FUN AND ENGAGING LESSON. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGING . MASTERY AND EXAM SKILLS FOCUSED. SUITABLE FOR SPECIALISTS AND NON-SPECIALISTS.
• Emphasis on exam skills. Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
• Minimal printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO
To identify the six main religions in the world.
To describe their main beliefs.
To explain their similarities and differences
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
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: CHRISTIANITY. LESSON 1 OF OCR A2 SEXUAL ETHICS. 100 MINUTE LESSON. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGE AND MASTERY FOCUSED.
• 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:
Explain contrasting Christian views on types of sexual relationships with reference to sources of authority.
Evaluate whether the Bible is a reliable source of authority on sexual relationships.
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.
DESCARTES SUBSTANCE DUALISM: METHOD OF DOUBT #FUN LESSONS.
OCR RS SOUL, MIND & BODY. Concise, easy to follow and comprehensive, ‘MASTERY’ and exam-focused lesson. RESOURCE FREE
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 DESCARTES METHODOLOGY
EXPLAIN 2 PROOFS OF DESCARTES SUBSTANCE DUALISM
Activities include:
Customisable recap starter (just add two questions). Tasks to link to prior learning.
Key term test and self assessment. Engage in a thought experiment (following video clip) describe the experiment and explain its conclusion. Interpret sources of authority, Explain the properties of matter and mind. Frequent mini-plenaries. Culminating in a written A01 question:
Explain Descartes method and his two proofs of Substance Dualism using every term in the word bank , Include a quote (and interpretation) and check you have met each of the A01 success criteria.
Model answer & student friendly success criteria provided. Peer assessment. No hands up questioning - questions provided.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Sacraments: Infant and Believers Baptism - Christian Practices. #FUN LESSONS. A fun and engaging lesson by employing use of popular media and games. It does not lack academic challenge it is ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused. This is concise and easy to follow making it suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike.
You can use props for the main activity e.g. doll, water – but I often ask the kids to improvise and this often makes it even more fun.
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:
‘Sacraments: Believers and Infant Baptism’ Christian Practices AQA
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain the meaning and significance of sacraments
• Explain the difference between a believer’s baptism and Infant baptism and evaluate which type is most important
Activities/resources include:
Customisable recap do-now starter
a variety of tasks to gain an in-depth understanding of:
• the meaning and significance of sacraments
• Denominational differences regarding the sacraments
• purpose of baptism
• believers and infant baptism differences
• evaluate which is most important believers or infant baptism
• Key term bingo
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
CHRISTIAN BELIEFS REVISION IDEAL FOR PRE EXAM REVISION
AIM: create effective flash cards recall key terms and points for 5mk & 12 mk Q’s
HOW: students work independently using a 9 step progress sheet to identify and fill gaps in knowledge.
DIFFERENTIATION: By time: depending on number of gaps students work independently over 1 or more lessons. By Task: some steps are different depending on predicted grade EG. U-3 no quotes needed 7+ 4 quotes in 12mk questions.
RESOURCES INCLUDED:
Instruction slides
Model of flash cards, development and conclusion
9 step student progress check list
Key term knowledge audit
5mk and 12 mk questions corresponding to key term knowledge audit
Quotes for all sub-topics
YOU WILL NEED TO PROVIDE:
Either flash cards OR if on low budget A4 paper cut in half to create two cards
Envelopes/wallets for them to keep cards organised
INFORMATION to answer questions EG revision guides/their books/your support .
Concise, easy to follow and 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: Jihad: Greater and Lesser
**
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):**
• Explain the difference between Lesser and Greater Jihad
• Evaluate which is most important Greater or lesser Jihad
**
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.
Christian Festivals: Christmas/Easter #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.
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:
‘Christian Festivals: Christmas/Easter’ – Christian Practices’
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain how and why Christians celebrate the festivals of Christmas and Easter
• Evaluate which festival is the most important
Activities/resources include:
Recap do-now starter – Dobble
a variety of tasks e.g. Easter Egg (info) hunt, nativity plays, sorting games, model answers. To gain an in-depth understanding of:
• The events of the incarnation
• The events of the incarnation
• Bible quotes references to incarnation/resurrection
• How Christmas/Easter is celebrated
• The Symbolism of Christmas and Easter celebrations
• evaluating which is the most important
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Creation of the World and Life - Different Christian + scientific views. CHRISTIAN BELIEFS/AQA/#FUN LESSONS. 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. Frequent mini plenary’s for assessment.
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
Creation of the World and Life – Christian and scientific views
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• Explain a variety of Christian and scientific beliefs about the creation of the world and life
• Evaluate whether the world and life have a creator.
Activities include:
Customisable recap do-now starter, a variety of tasks to learn:
Fundamentalist, liberal and mythical interpretation of Bible, Differences between Genesis 1 and 2, to what extent is Genesis compatible with the evolution theory, A Level Stretch: Calvin’s -Sensus Divinitus links to Christian belief that man was created in God’s image, Materialists and substance dualists. Working on key skill of development with model answer, writing task and peer assessment. Key term bingo.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
ISLAM PRACTICES, FESTIVALS: ID-UL-ADHA #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.
• Includes model answer and peer assessment
• Includes memory aids to help recall in exams
• No hands up planned questioning
• Key term bingo to help recall Islam beliefs and Islam practices
• No printing required, 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 meaning and significance of Id-ul-Adha: including
• Origins
• How it is celebrated
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
INTRO LESSON FOR SOUL MIND & BODY OCR A LEVEL RS. #FUN LESSON
An accessible, discursive & engaging introduction to this fascinating topic. Students will learn without realising it.
They will be able to:
Explain the difference between numerical and qualitative identity
Reflect on what makes you ‘you’
Explain the difference between a substance dualist and a materialist
EUTHANASIA: RELIGIOUS & NON RELIGIOUS VIEWS. FUN & ENGAGING LESSON. VARIETY OF TASKS, MULTI-MEDIA, DEBATES & GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGING A LEVEL STRETCH. STRONG FOCUS ON EXAM SKILLS.
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
AQA RS: Religion and Life: Christianity/Islam/Humanism/Varieties of Utilitarianism
**Easy to follow suitable for specialists & non-specialists.
Assessment & extra challenges throughout.
Minimal printing, concise and easy to follow.
Date on slide updates automatically**
Students will be able to:
With strong reference to religious and secular sources of authority: Evaluate the statement ‘Euthanasia is wrong’ 12 marks
This is part of my #Fun lessons bundle. For more #Fun lessons visit my shop where you can find lessons on:
Christian/Islam Beliefs,
Christian/Islam Practices,
Theme C: Existence of God
Your reviews are very welcome.
DIVINE OMNISCIENCE AND GOD’S RELATIONSHIP WITH TIME. OCR A2 PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION; ATTRIBUTES OF GOD. FUN AND ENGAGING LESSON. VARIETY OF TASKS, MULTI-MEDIA AND GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGING, MASTERY AND EXAM SKILLS FOCUSED.
This lesson is aimed to offer clarity on a complex topic
Information sheet provided (no need for text books)
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 KEY SCHOLARS AND SOURCES OF AUTHORITY):
Evaluate: Divine eternity does not limit human free will. 40 mks
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
CHRISTIANITY AFTERLIFE. 100 MINUTE LESSON. FUN AND ENGAGING WITH A VARIETY OF TASKS AND GAMES TO STIMULATE LEARNING. CHALLENGE AND MASTERY FOCUSED.
Information sheet
Customisable recap starter
Emphasis on Exam Skills
Sources of Wisdom
Assessment and extra challenges throughout.
Minimal printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
**
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO: **
Explain Christian beliefs about how to get to heaven
Contrast Christian and atheist beliefs about life after death
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.