Learning objective
- To explore how the Four Noble Truths can help some Buddhists respond to suffering.
Success criteria
- I can suggest how Buddha’s guidance helped Kisa
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Religious Education Council Curriculum Framework for RE in England (non-statutory guidance):
- A2: Describe and understand
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Cross-curricular links
English
Reading – comprehension
Pupils
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Show the Presentation: Tell me more and read the statement aloud. Encourage the children to turn the statement into a longer sentence by adding a reason, example or more detail. Allow time for paired discussion.
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Could use the Knowledge organiser to recall key vocabulary and ideas about suffering while discussing or writing.
- Could use the Activity: Overcoming suffering: support version to structure their letter by following prompts that guide what to include in each section.
- Could present their ideas as a poster (for example, ‘Pathway to peace’ or ‘Overcoming suffering’) to explain how Buddhists might respond to suffering by organising key ideas visually instead of writing a letter.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should use specific examples from Buddhist teachings, including the story of Kisa Gotami, to explain how the Buddha’s guidance can help people cope with suffering.
- Should include and accurately use correct Buddhist terminology (for example, dukkha, samudaya, Four Noble Truths) within their letter.
- Should transfer the key message of the story to a new, fictional situation by explaining how the advice Kisa Gotami received could help someone else experiencing suffering today.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Explain how the Buddha’s guidance may
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Vocabulary definitions
-
dukkha
The Buddhist idea that suffering and discomfort are a normal part of life.
-
magga
The Buddhist idea that following the Eightfold Path ends suffering.
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In this unit
Assessment – R&W Y6: Why is there suffering? (Part 2)
Lesson 1: What can suffering teach us about happiness?
Lesson 2: What can cause suffering?
Lesson 3: How do some people overcome suffering?
Lesson 4: How can Hukam help in difficult times?
Lesson 5: Who is the best at helping?
Lesson 6: How can beliefs affect our understanding of suffering?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 24th April, 2026
Lesson 5: Who is the best at helping?
Exploring Shinto beliefs about kami and how these may help during times of suffering.
Lesson 6: How can beliefs affect our understanding of suffering?
Considering where to place stories and beliefs on a scale to reflect their impact on...
Lesson 4: How can Hukam help in difficult times?
Using Sikh teachings from scripture and the lives of the Gurus to understand the importance...
Lesson 2: What can cause suffering?
Exploring the Buddhist story of Kisa Gotami and making predictions based on Buddhist teachings.
