51ºÚÁÏ

AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Violent Protest and Terrorism ( With Case Study on the Tottenham Riots)

This powerful and thought-provoking lesson supports the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification and explores the themes of violent protest and terrorism, drawing on real-world context through a focused case study on the Tottenham Riots. Students will gain a clear understanding of the UK law regarding protest, alongside exploring and comparing Christian and Muslim teachings on protest, violence, and terrorism. Using ethical reasoning, scripture, and contemporary case studies, students are encouraged to reflect critically on the question: Can protest ever be justified if it becomes violent?

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the legal rights and limitations surrounding protest in the UK
• Explain Christian and Muslim attitudes towards violent protest, peaceful protest, and terrorism, supported by teachings and scripture]
• Evaluate whether protest should ever be violent, using the Tottenham Riots as a case study for real-world application

What’s Included:

• Visually engaging PowerPoint presentation with key information, definitions, and discussion prompts
• A starter activity recaps prior knowledge from the scheme of work (SOW), helping students to connect new learning to what they already know.
• Throughout the lesson, **questioning activities **are used to promote discussion, check understanding, and encourage participation.
• Printable worksheet with comprehension, analysis, and reflection tasks
• Side by-side comparison of Christian and Islamic views on violence and protest
• Case study activity on the Tottenham Riots, including background context, causes, and ethical questions
• Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge with scaffolding
• The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.

Why Choose This Resource?
Fully aligned with AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict)
Encourages moral reasoning, empathy, and thoughtful evaluation
Uses real-world examples to bring religious teachings to life
Supports the development of high-level exam skills, including explanation and evaluation

Perfect for use as part of the Religion, Peace and Conflict topic or as a standalone lesson on protest, religion, and social justice. Suitable for mixed-ability classes and adaptable for remote or independent learning.