AQA GCSE Religious Studies – Attitudes to the Treatment of Criminals
This in-depth lesson supports the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification and focuses on how criminals are treated in society, examining prison, corporal punishment, and community service as three key forms of punishment. Students will explore the purpose and impact of each method and assess Christian and Islamic views on their fairness, effectiveness, and morality. The lesson encourages students to develop empathy and critical thinking skills, while engaging with ethical debates and religious perspectives on justice, mercy, and reform.
Learning Outcomes:
- Know and understand the purpose and characteristics of prison, corporal punishment, and community service
- Explain Christian and Islamic attitudes towards the treatment of criminals, supported with relevant teachings
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different forms of punishment and consider their effectiveness in promoting justice and rehabilitation
What’s Included:
- 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:
• Schools introducing/covering AQA GCSE Religious Studies
• KS4 RE departments
• New or non-specialist teachers
Why Choose This Resource?
Fully aligned with AQA GCSE RS (Paper 2: Thematic Studies)
Clear links to Christianity and Islam throughout
Encourages critical thinking and application of religious beliefs
Easily adaptable for in-class, homework use or remote learning
Clearly structured to support students in building high-level evaluative answers
Suitable for mixed-ability classes, with scaffolding provided to support all learners.
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I would highly recommend this resource. It is incredibly detailed, promotes active engagement with the content, and provides opportunities for meaningful exam practice. It supports both independent learning and class-based activities, helping students consolidate their knowledge and apply it effectively. Thank you for sharing such a valuable tool.
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