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.
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
STATUS OF ANIMALS AND HUMANS. KS3 RS (ANIMALS) FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. 50 MIN LESSON
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
Explain religious and non-religious views on the status of animals and humans with reference to holy books.
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: religious reference
• Extra Challenges
No printing. Concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically.
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson.
Your feedback is welcome.
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.
HELL. CONTRASTING CHRISTIAN BELIEFS. AQA. 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
Exam skills: Strong religious reference, development, Evaluation
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)
Evaluate whether an omnibenevolent God would send anyone to hell
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.
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 – WHY JESUS HAD TO DIE. CHRISTIAN BELIEFS. AQA. FUN AND ENGAGING. VARIETY OF TASKS TO STIMULATE LEARNING. #CHECK UNDERSTANDING. ADDRESS MISCONCEPTIONS. I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. SINGLE LESSON. MODEL ANSWER INCLUDED.
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 Christian beliefs about the reasons for Jesus’ crucifixion. (Earthly and Spiritual Reasons)
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is welcome.
RELIGIOUS LANGUAGE. MODEL ANSWER: CRITICALLY COMPARE THE VIA NEGATIVA WITH SYMBOLIC LANGUAGE
Exemplar Essay (Thesis, main body & conclusion)
Demonstrates OCR success criteria for a top-level answer.
INCLUDES REFERENCE TO SCHOLARS:
Maimonides, Tillich, Aquinas, B. Davies, Randall, Hick, Wittgenstein
SOURCES OF WISDOM:
Bible
HINDUISM INTRODUCTION. FUN AND ENGAGING LESSON. 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.
• No printing, concise and easy to follow. Date on slide updates automatically
STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO (WITH REFERENCE TO SOURCE OF AUTHORITY):
Identify the main Hindu beliefs
Explain how these influence a Hindu’s life
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most 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.
‘Prayer -Christian Practices’ #FUN LESSONS. Engages students with the use of a range of popular culture media. It is a ‘MASTERY’ ‘and EXAM SKILLS focused lesson that is concise and easy to follow making it suitable for specialists and non-specialists alike.
There is an emphasis (and modelling) of key skills needed in exam questions and mini plenary’s and extra challenges throughout.
Date on slide updates automatically / Resource light / Easy to follow & Suitable for non-specialists
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
Prayer – Christian Practices
Students will be able to (with reference to source of authority):
• To explain the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Prayer
• To explain the difference between liturgical (set prayers) and informal prayers and public/private prayers and evaluate which is most meaningful
Activities include:
variety of multimedia in popular culture including: Stormzy and David Bowie
Customisable recap do-now starter, a variety of tasks to learn about:
Liturgical prayer and Lord’s prayer
Informal prayers, and arrow prayers
Private and Public prayer - Strengths and weaknesses
liturgical and informal prayer - strengths and weaknesses
The five purposes of prayer
5 mark exam question with scaffolding
I hope you enjoy teaching this lesson. Your feedback is most welcome.
Tes paid licence
How can I reuse this?
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
ABORTION. THE LAW & NON-RELIGIOUS VIEWS LESSON ENABLES LEARNERS TO: Explain conditions of abortion under UK law with reference to the 1967 Abortion Act. Contrast UK laws with country’s where abortion is illegal. Explain humanist views on abortion with reference to Pro-Choice views and back street abortions. #ENGAGE, CHECK UNDERSTANDING, CORRECT MISCONCEPTIONS, DIFFERENTIATE, REDUCE COGNITIVE OVERLOAD.
SINGLE LESSON
TEACH AS PART OF GCSE. AQA THEME B
OR AS A STAND-ALONE LESSON
PRIOR LEARNING: Students may know some religious teachings about ensoulment, sanctity and quality of life; these will be revisited in this lesson.
**INCLUDES RELIGIONS/PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS: **
Humanism
Pro choice
UK Law
International Law including countries where abortion is illegal in all circumstances EG El Salvador
**TASKS INCLUDE: **
Do Now task (recap to activate relevant knowledge applied to this lesson)
Planned questioning
Video with thinking prompts
Peer learning: apply UK law to case studies
Chunked activities to prevent cognitive overload
Whole class assessment to check understanding
End task Writing task with sentence starters
**PEDAGOGY FEATURES: **
• Exam skills – development
• Recap (activate prior knowledge)
• 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
This bundle includes all resources needed to deliver and assess Theme B it is designed to promote maximum progress for ALL learners.
Lessons are concise, comprehensive, **challenging and exam-focused, **
Resource efficient & easy to follow – no glue sticks needed!
Large font is used throughout. The date on slide updates automatically.
**Also included is an optional revision lesson and assessment paper that can be easily adapted. **
SUITABLE FOR DELIVERING:
THEME B. RELIGION AND LIFE: (RELIGIONS: ISLAM/CHRISTIANITY/HUMANISM)
THE ENTIRE THEME IS COMPACTED INTO 9 LESSONS (INCLUDING REVISION AND ASSESSMENT):
Origins of Universe and Life
Environment
Animals
Sanctity and quality of life debate
Euthanasia
Abortion
Death and afterlife
Revision
Assessment
Activities for every lesson include:
Paired Reading log activity, 5 and 12 mark exam question tasks with model answers. Video task to enrich learning and give writing hands a rest! / structured discussion / self/peer assessment with student friendly success criteria. Every task comes with clear instructions.
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.
Using Animals for food and cosmetic/medical testing (Religion and Use of Animals) Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson Suitable for a double lesson.
Resource light- easy to follow. Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Theme B: Animals
Students will be able to:
• Explain the various ways we use animals
• Explain Christian and Islam teachings about the different uses of animals.
• Evaluate whether humans should test on animals.
Activities include:
Reading log activity, exam questions with model answers. Videos / discussion Peer assessment.
ABORTION PRO LIFE AND PRO CHOICE. AQA THEME B. Concise, comprehensive and challenging exam-focused lesson.
Resource FREE & easy to follow.
Suitable for delivering:
AQA Religious Studies: Theme B: RELIGIOUS VIEWS ON ABORTION/PRO-LIFE/PRO-CHOICE
Students will be able to:
Evaluate whether abortion is a women’s choice with reference to scripture
Activities include:
Matching statements, exam questions with model answers/case studies /discussion