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This engaging and thought-provoking lesson explores near-death experiences (NDEs)—powerful accounts of people who report visions or feelings after being clinically close to death. Students investigate multiple interpretations, including religious, scientific, spiritual, and atheist perspectives.

Flexible Curriculum Links:
This lesson can be taught:

• As a standalone RE enrichment session
• As a creative addition to Afterlife units in both KS3 and GCSE Religious Studies
• To deepen understanding of spirituality, consciousness, or evidence for belief
• As part of a Science and Religion crossover topic on the nature of the mind and soul

Key Learning Objectives:

• Understand and evaluate different explanations of NDEs
• Analyse whether NDEs can be considered evidence for life after death
• Reflect on personal beliefs about the soul, afterlife, and consciousness
• Engage in respectful debate and critical thinking

Lesson Features:

• Accessible reading resource with simplified quotes and interpretations
• Sorting activity exploring different viewpoints (religious, scientific, spiritual, sceptical)
• Thought-provoking class debate or group discussion: “Do NDEs prove life after death?”
• Creative and reflective prompts linking to belief, faith, and evidence

Ideal For:

• KS3 students (Year 8+)
• GCSE RS (AQA Themes: Life After Death, Religion & Science, Existence of God)
• Cross-curricular learning with Philosophy, Science or PSHE