Learning objective
- To explore different beliefs about God’s role in suffering.
Success criteria
- To identify some
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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 know:
- The importance
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Display the Presentation: Using the Knowledge organiser and arrange the children in pairs. Ask them to write some questions based on the information on the Resource: Knowledge organiser: Religion and worldviews – Why is there suffering? Part 1 to ask their partner, making sure they know the answer to each question. Allow time for the…
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Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
Could record their responses to the statement about prayer on the Activity: Responses to prayer 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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intercession
A type of prayer where someone asks a deity to help or heal others.
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omnibenevolent
Always being good and doing the right thing.
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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: 19th August, 2025
Lesson 1: How do people suffer?
Exploring the nature of suffering and what it means for humans.
Optional Easter lesson: Why might some people take part in Easter traditions?
A Year 6 optional lesson considering the impact of different Easter traditions and practices.
Lesson 3: Why do we cause suffering?
Looking at different worldviews' teachings about conscience and making moral choices.
Lesson 6: How might beliefs about Jesus affect responses to suffering?
Finding out how beliefs about Jesus may impact some Christians’ responses to suffering.
