Learning objective
- To recognise how responses to suffering vary by reflecting on stories, beliefs and practices.
Success criteria
- I can compare who or what might be
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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
Spoken language
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Show the Presentation: Range of answers. Pair the children. Read the question out loud. Ask pairs to discuss which answer they think best responds to the question. Encourage reasoning using examples from the unit.
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support:
- Could use the Knowledge organisers (Parts 1 and 2) during the Attention grabber to recall key stories, beliefs and vocabulary about suffering by referring to examples.
- Could use the Activity: Pyramid instead of the Activity: Diamond nine to compare ideas about responsibility by ranking fewer cards in a simpler structure.
- Could discuss just one worldview at a time to identify how a story or belief might bring comfort by talking it through with a partner before sharing ideas more widely.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should make links between ideas about suffering across different worldviews during the Attention grabber, explaining similarities and differences in who or what is believed to be responsible.
- Should articulate different viewpoints within the same worldview, explaining how people with shared beliefs may still respond differently to suffering.
- Should recognise and explain how beliefs about suffering may change over time, using examples from stories, teachings or practices explored across the unit.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Talk about who or what might be responsible
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Vocabulary definitions
-
rank
Give something an order or place.
-
responsible
Having a purpose or job to do.
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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 2: What can cause suffering?
Exploring the Buddhist story of Kisa Gotami and making predictions based on Buddhist teachings.
Lesson 3: How do some people overcome suffering?
Considering the impact of the Buddha’s guidance on how Kisa Gotami coped with suffering.
Lesson 4: How can Hukam help in difficult times?
Using Sikh teachings from scripture and the lives of the Gurus to understand the importance...
