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AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Just War Theory (with Falklands War Case Study)

This thought-provoking and fully resourced lesson supports the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification and introduces students to the concept of Just War Theory. Students will explore the conditions for a ‘Just War’, analyse Christian and Muslim attitudes to warfare and justice, and apply the theory to the real-world example of the Falklands War. This lesson encourages ethical reasoning, evaluation of religious teachings, and thoughtful application of theory to real-life situations—perfect for preparing students for Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain the key criteria of the Just War Theory, including just cause, proportionality, and last resort
• Consider and compare Christian and Islamic perspectives on the theory and on war more broadly
• Apply the Just War criteria to a real-world example: the Falklands War, and evaluate whether it meets the conditions of a Just War

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 teachings on war and justice
• Falklands War case study activity with source material and guiding 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 higher-level thinking through application of theory to history
Promotes understanding of religious ethics and diverse viewpoints
Builds confidence with exam-style tasks and real-world contextual learning

An ideal lesson to build a strong foundation in Just War Theory while developing empathy, ethical awareness, and exam-ready evaluation skills.