I am an experienced educator in the field of Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics. For the past 7 years, I have served as Head of Department, leading curriculum development, supporting staff, and promoting engaging, inclusive learning across key stages. I am passionate about helping students think critically about big questions, develop empathy, and understand diverse worldviews. My approach combines academic rigor with creative, discussion-based learning that encourages personal reflection.
I am an experienced educator in the field of Philosophy, Religion, and Ethics. For the past 7 years, I have served as Head of Department, leading curriculum development, supporting staff, and promoting engaging, inclusive learning across key stages. I am passionate about helping students think critically about big questions, develop empathy, and understand diverse worldviews. My approach combines academic rigor with creative, discussion-based learning that encourages personal reflection.
AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict (Introductory Worksheet)
This clear and accessible worksheet is designed to introduce students to Theme D: Religion, Peace and Conflict from the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification. Focusing on key concepts such as peace, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation, this resource helps students build a strong foundation for the rest of the unit. With a focus on both Christian and Islamic teachings, students will explore how these core values are understood and applied within religious contexts and global issues.
Learning Outcomes:
Define and explain the key terms: peace, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation
Understand their importance in both Christianity and Islam
Begin to reflect on how these concepts relate to conflict and religious responses to violence
This lesson introduces students to the concept of pilgrimage as a spiritual journey practiced in different forms across the six major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and Sikhism. Students explore the purpose, rituals, and personal significance of pilgrimage, and examine key pilgrimage sites such as Mecca, Lourdes, Amritsar, Bodh Gaya, the Golden Temple, and the Western Wall. Through discussion, reflection, and creative tasks, students consider how pilgrimage expresses faith, builds community, and contributes to religious identity.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
This teaching resource introduces students to the six major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. It focuses on identifying key features of each religion, including core beliefs, holy texts, places of worship, key figures, festivals, and symbols. The resource encourages comparison and appreciation of both the diversity and common values across these faiths. Through interactive activities, visual aids, quizzes, and group discussions, students will build a solid foundation in religious literacy and deepen their understanding of global belief systems.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
This teaching resource explores the key religious festivals celebrated in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. It introduces the origins, meanings, and customs of major festivals such as Easter, Eid al-Fitr, Passover, Diwali, Wesak, and Vaisakhi. Students will learn how these celebrations reflect core beliefs and values, and how they are observed in different cultures around the world. The resource includes stories, multimedia content, creative activities, and group projects to help students engage with the significance of each festival. It encourages respect for religious diversity and an appreciation of how faith is expressed in community and celebration.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
This teaching resource focuses on the Golden Rule—“Treat others as you would like to be treated”—as a common ethical teaching found in the six major world religions: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. Students will explore how each religion expresses this principle through sacred texts, teachings, and real-life applications. The resource includes scripture-based comparisons, reflection activities, group discussions, and role-play scenarios to help students understand the universal importance of empathy, respect, and kindness. It encourages learners to see shared moral values across different faiths, promoting tolerance and interfaith understanding.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
Year 9 AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Course Option Information (Student-Friendly Overview)
This clear and accessible GCSE Religious Studies Option Information resource is designed to support Year 9 students in understanding what to expect from the AQA GCSE Religious Studies (Specification A) course, helping them make an informed decision when choosing their options.
Perfect for options evenings, assemblies, or tutor time, this resource outlines the structure, content, and benefits of the course in a student-friendly way.
Includes:
Overview of course structure (Paper 1: Religions, Paper 2: Themes)
Topics covered: Christianity, Islam, and key ethical themes (e.g. Crime and Punishment, Peace and Conflict, Relationships, etc.)
How the subject is assessed (100% exams, two final papers)
Skills developed: critical thinking, debate, evaluation, empathy
Career and further study links (law, journalism, teaching, social work, etc.)
Frequently asked questions
Ideal for:
Year 9 students considering GCSE RS
Parents/carers at options events
Display boards or handouts
Presentations or assemblies
This resource can be used as a standalone handout or adapted into a slide presentation.
AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Theme C: The Existence of God and Revelation – Student Revision Sheet
This engaging and visually structured two page A3 revision summary sheet is perfect for students preparing for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies Theme C: The Existence of God and Revelation. Designed for clarity and impact, the sheet offers a comprehensive overview of key content, ideal for independent study, classroom revision, or homework.
Students can use this resource to consolidate their knowledge of key philosophical and theological concepts, complete focused tasks, and visually map out the main arguments and religious perspectives.
Covers:
Philosophical arguments for and against the existence of God (e.g. First Cause, Design, Miracles, Evil and Suffering)
Types of revelation (general and special) and visions
Nature of divine revelation and religious experience
Key Christian and Muslim teachings on God’s existence and revelation
Opportunities for recall, keywords, and practice exam-style questions
Perfect for:
Individual revision
Group work
Homework tasks
End-of-topic summaries
Print in A3 for maximum effectiveness.
In this lesson, students will explore the reasons why many religious leaders in Jesus’ time opposed him, considering his teachings, actions, and growing influence. Through examining key moments—such as Jesus challenging authority, healing on the Sabbath, and associating with outcasts—students will gain insight into why he was seen as a threat.
Students will then reflect on whether Jesus could be considered a rebel, using historical and scriptural evidence to weigh different perspectives. Finally, they will compare contrasting ideas about Jesus: was he a rebel who challenged injustice or a peacemaker who promoted love and forgiveness? Through discussion and written reflection, students will be encouraged to form and justify their own opinions.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Understand and explain why some religious leaders disliked or opposed Jesus.
Reflect on and form an opinion about whether Jesus was a rebel.
Compare and contrast different interpretations of Jesus as a rebel or a peacemaker.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
This deep feedback lesson template is designed for teachers to deliver whole-class feedback effectively following an assessment or extended writing task. The learning outcomes focus on recapping prior learning on a specific topic (e.g., â€X’), reviewing responses, and improving work through structured feedback and reflection.
The template includes the following components:
Retrieval Practice Slide
Praise Slide
SPaG Corrections Slide
WWW & EBI Slide
WAGOLL (Model Answer) Slide
Redraft Prompt Slide
Redraft Opportunity Slide
Final Peer/Self-Mark Activity
This template supports a consistent, reflective feedback cycle that empowers students to take ownership of their learning and improve the quality of their work based on clear success criteria and targeted teacher guidance.
In this lesson, students will be introduced to the Bible as a sacred text in Christianity, learning what it is, how it is structured, and how to locate specific passages using standard referencing (book, chapter, and verse). Students will complete a Bible-based activity, practising how to find and read key scriptures. Using this skill, students will then explore and summarise two of Jesus’ teachings through the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Lost Sheep. As a class, students will reflect on the meaning of these stories and discuss how they demonstrate core values such as love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Finally, students will be encouraged to think critically about what Jesus is asking of his followers through these teachings and consider how Christians today might live in response to them.
Learning Outcomes:
Describe what the Bible is and explain how to reference and locate passages within it.
Summarise the key messages in the Parable of the Good Samaritan and the Parable of the Lost Sheep.
Decide and explain what Jesus is asking his followers to do based on these biblical teachings.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
In this lesson, students will explore the different types of miracles performed by Jesus, including miracles of nature, healing, and resurrection. Through watching a series of short video clips and class discussion, students will categorise examples of Jesus’ miracles and summarise the key events in at least one miracle from the categories of nature, healing, and resurrection. The class will also engage in thoughtful discussion to consider different interpretations of these miracles—from literal beliefs held by many Christians to symbolic or metaphorical understandings. The aim is to deepen students’ knowledge of Jesus’ role in the Gospels and to encourage respectful exploration of diverse perspectives on faith and scripture.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Categorise Jesus’ miracles into types (e.g., nature, healing, resurrection).
Summarise what happened in one example of a miracle of nature, healing, and resurrection.
Consider and explain different interpretations of Jesus’ miracles (e.g., literal, symbolic, moral).
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
In this creative follow-up lesson, students will apply their understanding from the previous session on the historical evidence for Jesus’ existence. Using the research and notes they gathered, students will design a newspaper front page with the headline: “Evidence Suggests…”. The task encourages students to think critically and present historical information in a journalistic format. Their newspaper must include a title, photographs with captions, quotations from sources studied (e.g., Biblical texts, historians like Josephus or Tacitus, archaeological references, or commentary on the Shroud of Turin), and most importantly, a clearly explained conclusion on whether they believe the evidence suggests Jesus existed. This lesson supports skills in literacy, critical thinking, and creative presentation.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Organize and present historical and religious information in a journalistic format.
Use evidence from a variety of sources to support a point of view.
Communicate a reasoned personal conclusion about whether the evidence supports the historical existence of Jesus.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
A starter activity recaps prior knowledge from the scheme of work (SOW), helping students to connect new learning to what they already know.
Students will write a short newspaper article titled “Evidence suggests…” to apply their knowledge.
**A newspaper template is provided **to support this creative task.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
In this lesson, students will begin by learning key facts about the life of Jesus, including his birth, teachings, crucifixion, and reported resurrection. Building on this foundation, students will act as historical detectives, examining four types of evidence that are often presented in discussions about whether Jesus really existed: Biblical accounts, archaeological discoveries, historical records from non-Christian sources, and the Shroud of Turin. Students will consider the strengths and limitations of each form of evidence, and engage in critical thinking to evaluate how convincing each type is. The lesson encourages open discussion, respectful enquiry, and a deeper understanding of how historical and religious claims are assessed.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Describe some basic facts about Jesus’ life and teachings.
Identify and examine four sources of evidence regarding the existence of Jesus: Biblical, archaeological, historical, and the Shroud of Turin.
Evaluate the credibility and significance of each type of evidence in relation to the question of Jesus’ existence.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a **** PowerPoint presentation**** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
In this lesson, students will explore the life and legacy of Moses, a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Through storytelling, discussion, and reflection, students will retell the key events in the story of Moses—from his early life in Egypt to the Exodus and receiving the Ten Commandments. They will also learn about the Jewish celebration of Passover, examining how it commemorates the Israelites’ escape from slavery and the role Moses played in this pivotal moment in Jewish history. Finally, students will analyze why Moses is revered in all three Abrahamic religions, identifying his contributions as a prophet, leader, and lawgiver. This lesson encourages students to make connections between religious traditions and to understand the shared heritage of Abrahamic faiths.
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
Retell the key events in the story of Moses.
Explain the religious and historical significance of the Jewish festival of Passover.
Describe why Moses is considered an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a ** PowerPoint presentation** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
This engaging lesson introduces students to the story of Noah, a key figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Students will explore the narrative of Noah and the flood, reflect on the moral lessons and themes, and understand how the Noahide Laws influence ethical behaviour today. The lesson also highlights the shared beliefs among the Abrahamic religions and encourages students to consider the lasting impact of religious stories on modern life.
Key Activities:
Starter Activity: Quick quiz or image-based discussion on well-known flood stories
Story Recap: Read or watch a short video of the Noah story from a Jewish, Christian, or Islamic perspective
Noahide Laws Exploration: Introduce the 7 Noahide Laws and link them to modern ethical values (e.g. justice, respect for life)
Group Work: Compare how Noah is understood across the three faiths
Reflection Task: How does this ancient story influence how people live today? What lessons can we learn from Noah’s obedience and faith?
Outcomes:
By the end of the lesson, students will:
Be able to retell the story of Noah and understand its key messages
Describe the Noahide Laws and give examples of how they apply in today’s world.
Recognise how Noah’s story is significant across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and promotes shared values of faith, obedience, and moral responsibility.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a ** PowerPoint presentation** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
This introductory lesson focuses on Abraham, a foundational figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—collectively known as the Abrahamic Faiths. Students will explore the shared roots of these three major world religions, gaining insight into how one individual plays a central role in shaping diverse beliefs and practices.
Learning Objectives:
Identify and name the three Abrahamic religions
Retell the story of Abraham and his covenant with God
Reflect on why Abraham is an important figure across different faiths
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
It includes a ** PowerPoint presentation** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 &KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
"Malala’s Voice" – Exploring Courage Through Suffering
This creative and reflective lesson introducingstudents to the concepts of evil and suffering through the powerful story of Malala Yousafzai. It encourages empathy, critical thinking, and personal expression by asking students to imagine themselves in Malala’s shoes and respond to her experiences with courage and hope.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
A** PowerPoint presentation** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
A starter activity a visual stimuli alongside some questions.
Questioning activities are used to promote discussion, check understanding, and encourage participation.
Students will complete a creative task to apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided to reinforce learning. This includes a blank template for student creativity
**A model example **voice card for inspiration.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
This lesson is ideal for introducing a unit on evil and suffering, linking RE content with PSHE themes, and reinforcing British values such as resilience, justice, and the importance of education.
This document is a comprehensive OFSTED preparation guide for secondary school Religious Education (RE) departments. It outlines clear responses to key OFSTED questions regarding the intent, implementation, and impact of the RE curriculum. The content covers how the curriculum is designed to promote religious literacy, inclusion, and personal development, and how it is taught and assessed across Key Stages 3 and 4. It also explains how the department supports SEND and disadvantaged students, monitors teaching quality, and aligns learning with SMSC and British Values. Ideal for use in RE department reviews or OFSTED readiness.
This lesson explores Buddhist beliefs towards evil and suffering, helping students understand that in Buddhism, humans are not seen as evil, but as imperfect beings who are capable of growth. Students will learn that suffering (dukkha) is an inevitable part of life, and explore the causes of suffering, focusing on the Second Noble Truth, which teaches that suffering is caused by craving and attachment. Through engaging activities and discussion, students will explore how suffering also arises from impermanence (anicca) and ignorance (avidya). The lesson will explain how the Three Poisons—greed, anger, and ignorance—lead to suffering in everyday life. Finally, students will consider how Buddhists aim to overcome suffering through following the Eightfold Path, a practical guide to living a life of mindfulness, wisdom, and ethical conduct.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
A ** PowerPoint presentation** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.
Ideal For:
• KS3 & KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
• Schools introducing world religions and philosophy to younger learners
In this lesson, students will learn what it means to be a Humanist, including core beliefs such as relying on reason, empathy, and scientific understanding rather than religious teachings. The lesson explores how Humanists respond to the existence of evil and suffering, recognising that suffering is a part of the human experience but not part of any divine plan. Students will consider how Humanists seek to minimise suffering through human action, such as promoting human rights, compassion, and ethical living. The lesson also invites students to explore Humanist ways of coping with suffering, such as supporting others, building strong communities, and finding meaning through relationships and making a positive difference in the world.
This lesson includes a range of engaging and structured activities to support student learning.
A ** PowerPoint presentation** that outlines the key content and learning objectives.
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.
Students will complete an exam/ deliberate practice question to develop their assessment skills and apply their knowledge.
A student worksheet is provided with a variety of tasks to reinforce learning.
The lesson concludes with a final activity that allows students to consolidate their understanding and reflect on what they have learned.