Year 9

Unit 1 – What is Truth?

About this unit…

• This unit provides for pupils to engage with the question of the nature of truth using examples of truth claims from Christian, Buddhist and non-religious views.

• The theme of ‘beliefs and concepts’ is intended to enable pupils to think for themselves about their own views of truth and meaning.

The unit will provide these opportunities …

• To consider a diverse range of views about questions of truth from Buddhism, Christianity and non-religious sources.

• To study sources of authority within the two religions.

• To develop reasoned viewpoints on questions of truth.

• To be challenged to be reasonable and open-minded, and to engage critically with other views.

Lesson 1 – How do we know what is true?

• Learning Outcomes (Students should learn)

• To examine 4 models of ‘truth’. (AT1)

• To be able to explain one model giving reasons for their views. (AT2)

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

• Recognise and explain different religious and non-religious beliefs about truth. (L5 – Activity 1)

• Present a coherent argument about different interpretations of questions of meaning and truth. (L6 – Activity 2)

MAIN TASK

• In small groups, students to examine the 4 models of ‘truth’. (R2) Write a caption or speech bubble for each picture. Discuss what these mean. Match up the pictures with the written explanations (R3) There is a power point presentation to go with this activity.

• Individually students to choose one of the models to write about. Complete the questions from the writing frame. (R4)

Lesson 4 – What does Christianity teach about truth?• Learning Outcomes (Students

should learn)• To be able to explain some Christian

ideas about truth. (AT1)

• To be able to express their ideas about Christian truth claims. (AT2)

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

• Explain what some Christians believe to be the truth. (L5 – activities 2 & 3)

• Express insight into spiritual questions of truth. (L6 – Activity 3/consolidation of learning)

MAIN TASK

• In small groups, students to examine the statements from Christianity. (R1) sort them into 2 groups, those they agree with and those they don’t. discuss their reasons for this.

• Individually students to complete the writing frame (R2) with their top 2 statements from each category.

Assessment.• Level 4 I can:• Raise some good questions of meaning myself• Suggest answers to the questions, referring to what a religion teaches• Level 5 I can:• Respond to the questions in a way that is informed by the 2 religions I have

studied• Respond thoughtfully to other people’s religious commitments• Explain my points of view in relation to others• Level 6 I can• Interpret ideas from 2 religions and my own ideas, using my understanding

to explain things clearly, using philosophical words• Interpret religious ideas for myself• Express insight into spiritual questions• Level 7 I can• Account for different responses to philosophical and religious questions• Explain a coherent understanding of the questions, referring to ways

religions are studied