Learning objective
- To explore different beliefs about God’s role in suffering.
Success criteria
- I can identify some reasons people may
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Religious Education Council Curriculum Framework for RE in England (non-statutory guidance):
- A2: Describe and understand links
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Cross-curricular links
RSE
Respectful relationships
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Explain that the children will use the Knowledge organiser to write questions about what they have learnt in this unit. They will quiz a partner and see if they can answer without looking. Arrange the children into pairs. Hand out whiteboards and pens to each child and a Knowledge organiser to each pair. Display the…
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
Could record their responses to the statement about prayer on the Activity: God and suffering using audio recording; could use the Knowledge organiser: Religion and worldviews – Why is there suffering? Part 1 to check keyword definitions throughout the lesson.
Pupils working at greater depth
Should include specific examples in the Activity: God and suffering; could suggest outcomes of prayer that are more subtle, such as a feeling of peace even if the suffering continues.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: identifying reasons people might
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Vocabulary definitions
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omnibenevolent
Always being good and doing the right thing.
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omnipotent
Being all-powerful.
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In this unit
Assessment - R&W Y6: Why is there suffering? (Part 1)
Lesson 1: How do people suffer?
Lesson 2: What is free will?
Lesson 3: Why do we cause suffering?
Lesson 4: Does being good always mean less suffering?
Lesson 5: If God is all-powerful, can suffering not be stopped?
Lesson 6: How might beliefs about Jesus affect responses to suffering?
Optional Easter lesson: Why might some people take part in Easter traditions?
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 21st October, 2025
Y1/2 (B): Lesson 6: What do some Zoroastrian people believe about God?
Exploring some Zoroastrian beliefs about God through their creation story.
Y3/4 (B): Lesson 2: Is there more than one way to understand God?
Looking at scripture to find out about the different ways people understand God.
Y5/6 (A): Lesson 1: Why do some people believe in a soul?
Investigating how the soul can affect people’s beliefs about the afterlife.
Y5/6 (A): Lesson 5: How do some people seek forgiveness in their lives?
Considering how forgiveness can help us to understand people’s beliefs about death.
