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AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Holy War

This engaging and reflective lesson is designed for the AQA GCSE Religious Studies course, focusing on the concept of Holy War within Christian and Islamic traditions. Students will explore the key features and rules of a holy war, examine the Crusades as a historical example, and consider the wider question of whether religious belief can cause war and violence. The lesson encourages critical thinking, moral debate, and deeper understanding of how religious teachings are interpreted in the context of conflict, both historically and in the modern world.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the key features and rules of a holy war in Christianity and Islam
• Describe a historical example of a holy war – the Crusades – and explain what happened
• Explain how and why religious beliefs can contribute to war or violence, using real examples 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 Muslim views on holy war, including conditions and justifications
• Case study on the Crusades, including background, causes, key events, and impact
• 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 or for use in revision