These engaging and colourful learning mats are indented for independent study or revision for the topic of Philosophy of Religion, as part of the OCR AS/A Level specification, although it can be applied across specifications. Each learning mat is downloaded as an A3 Word document and an A4 PDF, for compatibility.
Topics include:
Ancient Philosophical Influences
Soul, Mind and Body
Arguments from Observation
Arguments from Reason
Religious experience
Problem of Evil
Nature of God
Religious Language
20th Century Perspectives
Created with the OCR RS AS/A Level in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Whole unit’s revision one one A3 page. This LM is from a Christian perspective to the Philosophy and Ethics unit of Issues of Good and Evil.
Mat covers:
Resource Includes:
1. Making moral decisions
a. What is ‘wrong’?
b. Absolute morality
c. Relative morality
2. Crime and Punishment
a. Crime in Britain
b. Sin
c. Cause of crime
d. Aims of punishment
e. Justice
f. Prison Chaplains
g. Capital Punishment
3. Forgiveness
a. Reconciliation
b. Jesus and forgiveness
c. Examples of forgiveness
4. What is ‘good’ and ‘evil’?
a. Christian attitudes to ‘good’
b. Christian attitudes to ‘evil’
c. The Problem of Evil and Suffering
d. Responses to the Problem of Evil and Suffering
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
**KS3 Religious Studies/Philosophy and Ethics: Ethical Questions
Lesson: Is sport like a religion?
This unit, ‘Ethical Questions, is devised as part of a brand new, interleaved scheme of work for KS3, aimed to prepare KS3 students for the move up to KS4, introducing some key concepts that can be developed later on at GCSE.
Individual lessons are intended as a double (roughly one and a half hours per lesson) however, due to time restrictions and the embedded support in the corresponding Work Pack, could also be taught in a minimal one hour per lesson.
This scheme of learning has been devised explicitly to support the Recovery Curriculum, interleave learning with previously-learned units and support cognition through interleaving techniques.
Although part of a unit, lessons can also be taught as a stand-alone lessons, e.g. for revision. The corresponding Resource Pack(s) would also support a home-learned curriculum as the PowerPoints and Packs themselves include differentiation and scaffolding, where required.
The interleaved schemed of work are specifically designed to promote the two skills desired for success at GCSE:
AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding)
AO2 (Analysis and Evaluation)
The resources are specifically created to ensure students are aware of the skill they are demonstrating and how to improve further through modelling.
These new units bring the relevance back to our topics, for example, through thought experiments and reference to current affairs. Students will experience greater engagement and enjoyment in a fair and balanced approach.
Lesson includes:
Homework Slide
Unit Cover and lesson overview
Starter activity, including interleaving
Key words (literacy focus)
Introduction of key information (AO1 - knowledge) and how this is used (AO1 - understanding)
Introduction of a contentious issue or debate (AO2 - analysis) and finalised judgement (AO2 - evaluation)
Plenary
The Work Pack:
If you would rather work in exercise books, the Work Pack is designed so that you can print off relevant pages - it is a resource pack. This would be useful if you have appropriate curriculum time to cover the content of the course. Unfortunately, this is not the case across all schools, and therefore the Work Pack helps by providing time-saving activities, whilst still being able to cover the breadth and depth of the course.
In addition, students who may be limited by literacy issues, e.g. slower writing paces, are not disadvantaged or capped in their progress. Therefore, some classes could use a mixed approach - part Work Pack, part exercise book - and all students will be able to progress through the same volume of content.
Please give feedback: I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
This is a unit of 3 lessons for the OCR unit on Karl Marx and Liberation Theology. Lessons cover a variety of tasks, activities and learner styles, geared towards the final exam. In addition, included for free is the Workbook for home-study and revision!
Free resource: Workbook on Karl Marx and Liberation Theology; Learning Mat
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Whole unit on a page!
This is a learning mat indented for independent study or revision for the topic of Developments in Christianity: The Challenge of Secularism, as part of the OCR AS/A Level specification, although it can be applied across specifications. Document can be downloaded as an A3 Word document and as an A4 PDF, for compatibility.
Created with the OCR RS AS/A Level in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
A double-sided A3 Revision mat for Judaism: Practices. Entire unit on one revision sheet.
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource.
Topics include:
1. Key Concept Words
2. Worship
3. Prayer
4. Amidah
5. Worship in the home
6. Shabbat
7. Items for Worship
8. The synagogue
9. Merseyside Jewish Community Care Initiatives
10. Features of a synagogue
11. Brit Milah
12. Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah
13. Marriage
14. Same-sex marriage
15. Funeral Rites
16. Tenakh/Talmud
17. Keeping Kosher
18. Rosh Hashanah
19. Yom Kippur
20. Pesach
21. Sukkot
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Knowledge organiser for revision and information for the Study of Islam, as part of the GCSE AQA syllabus. It includes key beliefs; authority; worship; duties and festivals Muslim teachings; exam requirements and technique and key vocabulary.
It can be used for independent revision, to aid a structured revision timetable and in lessons. My own students have these glued in their books and are encouraged to refer to them during our learning. At the end of the unit, students are asked to go over the statements and highlight (RAG) their knowledge and understanding of the topics, thereby revealing key areas for revision.
Download as an A3 Word document as as an A4 PDF.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats learning mat / information sheet. Download as an A3 word document or as an A4 PDF (for compatibility). Q&A document included to support your learners.
Resource includes:
- The Bible passage
- A Summary with Key Ideas
- Key Ideas and Quotes
- Historical Context and Importance
Please give feedback. I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils' religious education in general - which is what we're all here for.
Lesson intended as a double lesson (roughly 1.5 hours) as an introduction to studying RE/RS at KS3. Lesson includes:
Homework
Starter
3D learning objectives and differentiated outcomes
Religion challenge
Why study religion? marketplace
Response to Alan the alien
Peer Assessment and Feedback
Plenary
Differentiation (where necessary)
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Created with the AQA RS GCSE specification in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. Quick and easy revision presented in a creative way!
Each revision card includes definitions, teachings, the importance and an opinion question. Answers are also available on the reverse of each card for student to work independently.
The final slide (with practise questions) also comes with answers using the appropriate exam technique.
The flip cards include the following topics, according to the specification:
Origins of the universe
Value of the environment
Animals
Origins and value of life
Sanctity and quality of life
Abortion and euthanasia
Afterlife
Practise Exam Questions
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
In Feb 2022, AQA released their guidance on the specific topics that will be assessed in the May/June 2022 series for Paper 1: Study of Religion: Islam.
The attached PPT guides students through this required information. It can be used as a taught lesson, a homework or revision/independent study.
Please give feedback: I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Created with the AQA RS GCSE specification in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. Quick and easy revision presented in a creative way!
Each revision card includes definitions, teachings, the importance and an opinion question. Answers are also available on the reverse of each card for student to work independently.
The final slide (with practise questions) also comes with answers using the appropriate exam technique.
The flip cards include the following topics, according to the specification:
What is God like?
What is the Trinity?
What role did the Spirit and the Word have in creation?
What do Christians believe about creation?
What is the afterlife?
What is the incarnation?
How was Jesus different?
What happened at the crucifixion?
Why was Jesus crucified?
What was the resurrection?
What was the ascension?
What is salvation?
Practise Exam Questions
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
This is a unit of 4 lessons for the OCR unit on Religious Pluralism in Theology and Religious Pluralism in Society. Lessons cover a variety of tasks, activities and learner styles, geared towards the final exam. Also included is the A3 and A4 Learning Mats / Revision Mats for this topic. In addition, included for free is the Workbook for home-study and revision!
Lessons are:
Intro and Exclusivism
Inclusivism
Pluralism
Pluralism and Society
Free resources: Learning Mat / Revision Mat and Workbook also included!
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
This is a unit of 3 two-hour lessons for the OCR unit on Philosophy of Religion: Religious Language. Lessons cover a variety of tasks, activities and learner styles, geared towards the final exam. Also included is the A3 and A4 Learning Mats / Revision Mat for this topic.
Lessons are:
The Apophatic Way / Via Negativa
The Cataphatic Way / Via Positiva
Tillich on Symbols
This resource also includes a free summary booklet.
Each lesson also includes assessment of the arguments proposed and an essay-style question for discussion and development.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of students’ Philosophy education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Whole unit’s revision one an A3 page (word document) and an A4 page (PDF). This LM is from a Christian perspective to the Philosophy and Ethics unit of Issues of Relationships.
1. Families and Roles
a. Types of Families
b. Traditional Families
c. Modern Families
d. Christianity
2. Marriage
a. Nature and Purpose
b. Christianity
c. Humanism
d. Marriage Outside Religious Traditions
e. Cohabitation
f. Adultery
g. Separation and Divorce
h. Same-Sex Marriage
3. Sexual Relationships
a. Nature and Purpose
b. Contraception
c. Christian Attitudes
d. Humanist Attitudes
4. Gender Equality
a. Christian Views
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
A3 Revision mat for Judaism: Beliefs & Teachings. Entire unit on one revision sheet.
Resource includes:
1. Nature of God
2. Denominations
3. Shekhinah
4. Messiah
5. Creation
6. Covenants (Abraham and Moses)
7. Ten Commandments
8. Pikuach Nefesh
9. Free Will
10. Mitzvot and Mitzvah Day
11. Afterlife
12. Key concept words and definitions
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource. Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Revision guide made for the new Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies unit of Christianity (a study of).
Christianity counts from 25% of pupils’ exams under the new specification.
Booklet covers:
1. Key Words
2. Existence of God
3. Suffering
4. Word of Life
5. Incarnation
6. Crucifixion
7. Resurrection
8. Ascension
9.Salvation
10. Death and the Afterlife
Created with the WJEC / Eduqas RS GCSE in mind, though can be applied across specifications and qualifications. As an examiner for this specification, I have used what I know of the course to create this resource.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
Religion Studies / Philosophy / PSHE
This 12-lesson unit, ‘Religion and the Media’, is an update to a previous incarnation of this unit, modernised, well-designed and made even more engaging to keep in line with current thinking and relevant issues.
Individual lessons are intended as a double (roughly one and a half hours per lesson) however, due to time restrictions and the embedded support in the corresponding Work Pack, could also be taught in a minimal one hour per lesson.
Lessons Include:
What is a Media Message
Religion in the Media
Charlie Hebdo
Westboro Baptist Church
Banksy
How do religions use the media (inc. LGBTQ+ case study)
Is there a balance between freedom of speech and harmful content?
Are gagging orders moral?
Should the media profit from tragedy?
When does the media become propaganda?
Should the media promote ethical advertising?
What is the future of ethics and the media?
*Lesson resource sheets if using exercise books
This scheme of learning has been devised explicitly to support the Recovery Curriculum, interleave learning with previously-learned units and support cognition through interleaving techniques.
Although part of a unit, lessons can also be taught as a stand-alone lessons, e.g. for revision. The corresponding Work Pack(s) would also support a home-learned curriculum as the PowerPoints and Packs themselves include differentiation and scaffolding, where required.
The new scheme of work is specifically designed to promote the two skills desired for success at GCSE (and beyond):
AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding)
AO2 (Analysis and Evaluation)
The resources are specifically created to ensure students are aware of the skill they are demonstrating and how to improve further through modelling.
These new units bring the relevance back to our topics, for example, through thought experiments and reference to current affairs. Students will experience greater engagement and enjoyment in a fair and balanced approach.
Lessons include:
Homework Slide
Unit Cover and lesson overview
Starter activity, including interleaving
Key words (literacy focus)
Introduction of key information (AO1 - knowledge) and how this is used (AO1 - understanding)
Introduction of a contentious issue or debate (AO2 - analysis) and finalised judgement (AO2 - evaluation)
Plenary
The lesson resource sheets:
These are designed so that even those who have limited curriculum time can explore the full unit without having to feel the time pressures on their classwork.
The resources provide time-saving activities, whilst still being able to cover the breadth and depth of the course.
In addition, students who may be limited by literacy issues, e.g. slower writing paces, are not disadvantaged or capped in their progress. Therefore, some classes could use a mixed approach - part resources, part exercise book - and all students will be able to progress through the same volume of content.
Please give feedback: I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!
The Parable of the Good Samaritan learning mat / information sheet. Download as an A3 word document or as an A4 PDF (for compatibility). Q&A document included to support your learners.
Resource includes:
- The Bible passage
- A Summary with Key Ideas
- Key Ideas and Quotes
- Historical Context and Importance
Please give feedback. I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils' religious education in general - which is what we're all here for.
Knowledge organiser for revision and information for the Theme of Religion, Human Rights & Social Justice, as part of the GCSE AQA syllabus. It includes key information; case studies and examples; Christian teachings; Muslim teachings; exam requirements and technique and key vocabulary.
It can be used for independent revision, to aid a structured revision timetable and in lessons. My own students have these glued in their books and are encouraged to refer to them during our learning. At the end of the unit, students are asked to go over the statements and highlight (RAG) their knowledge and understanding of the topics, thereby revealing key areas for revision.
Download as an A3 Word document as as an A4 PDF.
Please give feedback! I am always happy to respond to comments - whether positive or constructive - this will help to improve the quality of my resources in the future and, more importantly, the quality of pupils’ RE/RS education in general - which is what we’re all here for!