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AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Nuclear Weapons & Weapons of Mass Destruction

This powerful and engaging lesson is designed to meet the requirements of the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification and explores the controversial issue of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), including chemical and biological weapons. Students will examine the ethical, moral, and religious debates surrounding these weapons and develop their ability to articulate and evaluate Christian and Islamic views.
Ideal for sparking meaningful discussion and developing higher-order thinking skills, this lesson supports students in forming well-reasoned opinions on one of the most important global moral issues.

Learning Outcomes:

• Know the different types of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons
• Explain Christian and Islamic perspectives—towards the possession and use of such weapons
• Evaluate whether the use of weapons of mass destruction can ever be justified, using ethical reasoning and religious teachings

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 WMD
• 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 (Paper 2: Thematic Studies – Religion, Peace and Conflict)
Provides balanced and respectful treatment of complex ethical issues
Encourages critical thinking, moral reasoning, and empathy
Builds confidence with exam-style questions and real-life application
Encourages moral reasoning, empathy, and thoughtful evaluation

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