I am curreny teaching across the Key Stages as the Head of Religious Studies in a comprehensive secondary school. Previously I have led a RS department in an inner-city school and also taught Humanities including experience of teaching Geography at KS3, as well as History at KS3 and KS4 and Sociology at KS5. I'm a Religious Studies and Philosophy specialist, having studied Philosophy at university and taught RS at KS3, KS4 and KS5.
I am curreny teaching across the Key Stages as the Head of Religious Studies in a comprehensive secondary school. Previously I have led a RS department in an inner-city school and also taught Humanities including experience of teaching Geography at KS3, as well as History at KS3 and KS4 and Sociology at KS5. I'm a Religious Studies and Philosophy specialist, having studied Philosophy at university and taught RS at KS3, KS4 and KS5.
AQA syllabus Religious Studies for Philosophy and Ethics. An A-level lesson introducing the concept of philosophy with a particular focus on exploring meta-ethics. There is an outline of the major branches of philosophy introduced through video clips from popular Hollywood films to allow students to connect with the quite abstract nature of philosophical inquiry; meta-physics, epistemology, meta-ethics, philosophy of religion, philosophy of mind, philosophy of language and ethics. If watching all clips and allowing for discussion of student understanding, this can last a full 60 minute lesson, This is followed by a peer-teach style lesson on meta-ethics, where peer-teachers are chosen from among the students (I usually choose high ability) and the rest of the class carousel between them to gather information. This is followed by a reflection using De Bono's Hats. The meta-ethics element of the lesson can also be stretched to last 60 minutes, making this cover 2 sessions. This lesson always divides the class into those inspired and those who feel their brain has been squashed - I love teaching it.
Revision resource for Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies Unit 1 'Religion and Life with Christianity' and Unit 8 'Religion and Society with Christianity and Islam'. Based on the Million Pound Drop game show, each round covers one sub-topic and has 7 questions with 4 multiple choice answers - these are all set up with a 30 second timer and questions and answers can be amended.
Topics covered - Religion and Life: Believing in God - Matters of Life and Death - Marriage and the Family - Community Cohesion.
Topics covered - Religion and Society: Rights and Responsibilities - Environmental and Medical Issues - Peace and Conflict - Crime and Punishment.
I usually bring in sweets and ask students to 'gamble' with them on the answers just as in the TV show, where students lose their sweets if they get the wrong answer and can split their sweets between answers if they want to.
A lesson suitable for GCSE or A-level Hinduism, which can be adapted to suit KS3. A comprehensive examination of Dharma in Hinduism, ranging from Sanatadharma to Varnadharma and the role of the Atman in Hindu Dharma. Includes two very engaging video clips as well as diamond 9 activity and reference to sources of wisdom and authority. There is a lot of content (planned for a 100 minute lesson), so it may be suitable to split this into 2 lessons (if you teach 60 minutes). There is a chance for students to be creative by writing a diary entry from the perspective of one of the Varnas and an interactive plenary focusing on the Atman, This lesson is particularly relevant for high ability students.
NEW GCSE Edexcel Religious Studies short-term scheme of work covering Christian, non-religious and non-belief in life after death including reference to sources of wisdom and authority. Can be taught in any order.
A three-lesson short term scheme of work on abortion from a philosophical, legal and Humanist perspective suitable for GCSE Religious Studies.
Start with the lesson on abortion as a moral issue, followed by the legal attitudes to abortion in the UK and finish with the Humanist perspective of pro-choice argument for abortion. An excellent way to start teaching about this controversial issue.
A three lesson short-term scheme of work suitable for GCSE or A-level Religious Studies. A strong focus on the moral, legal and philosophical responses to euthanasia. Start with the introduction to euthanasia lesson, followed by euthanasia and the law and finally the lesson on palliative care. The perfect way for students to engage in the non-religious arguments for and against euthanasia and consider how far the law is fir for purpose and if palliative care can offer a genuine alternative.
A three lesson short-term scheme of work to introduce the topic of abortion and euthanasia suitable for GCSE or A-level teaching. I have found this introduction sets the tone really well with students for an in-depth analysis and evaluation of why Christians place such importance on the sanctity of life and how this in turn reflects on their attitudes to abortion and euthanasia. Includes reference to sources of wisdom and authority from Christianity. Start with the lesson on the purpose of life, followed by the value of life and end with the quality of life, which starts to question Christian concepts and gives students the opportunity to contextualise the concept of the sanctity of life.
A medium-term scheme of work covering an introduction to morality and ethics and examining the Utilitarianism of Bentham and Mill in a comprehensive overview, suitable for GCSE or A-level Religious Studies. Start with the introduction to morality and ethics, followed by Act Utilitarianism and then the Hedonic Calculus. Finish off with Bentham's and then Mill's approach to Utilitarianism.
