Abortion and the Law

Overview

Subject: Religious Education
Year Group: Year 10
Lesson Duration: 55 minutes
Class Size: 29 students
Curriculum Area: KS3 Religious Education, focusing on ethics, beliefs, and values

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the legal framework surrounding abortion in the UK.
2. Discuss the ethical and religious perspectives on abortion.
3. Analyse how different UK religions and groups perceive abortion.
4. Develop critical thinking and respectful debate skills through group work.

Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts with legal information and ethical questions
• Room setup for group discussions
• Projector (for optional video segment)

Lesson Outline

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Starter Activity: Pose a question to the class to gauge initial opinions: "What comes to mind when you hear the word 'abortion'?" Note responses on the whiteboard.
• Objective Briefing: Explain the objectives of the lesson about understanding the legal framework of abortion in the UK and exploring the ethical dimensions.

Legal Framework (15 minutes)

• Direct Instruction: Provide a brief lecture on the Abortion Act 1967 and its applications in England, Wales, and Scotland, noting different regulations in Northern Ireland.
• Discussion Prompt: "Why do you think the law is structured this way?"

Group Work - Ethical Perspectives (20 minutes)

• Divide the class into groups of 4-5 students.
• Provide each group with a handout detailing different ethical perspectives on abortion (e.g., religious views [Christianity, Islam, Hinduism], feminist views, secular ethics).
• Task: Each group will discuss their assigned perspective and answer these questions:
  • What are the key arguments for and against abortion from this perspective?
  • How does this perspective align or conflict with the UK law you’ve just learned about?
• Circulate around the room to guide discussions and ensure engagement.

Group Presentations (5 minutes)

• Each group presents their perspective and discussion points to the class.
• Encourage peers to ask respectful questions.

Reflection and Plenary (5 minutes)

• Class Discussion: Reflect on the different perspectives.
• Plenary Question: "How can we respect diverse opinions while discussing sensitive topics like abortion?"

Extension Activity (Optional)

• Show a short, age-appropriate video clip featuring interviews with people who have different views on abortion.

Assessment and Homework

• Informal Assessment: Engage students during discussions to assess understanding and respectful engagement.
• Homework: Write a reflective paragraph on your own perspective on abortion, considering the discussions from this lesson.

Differentiation

• For Less Able Students: Provide simplified summaries of the ethical positions and offer additional support during group work.
• For More Able Students: Challenge them with additional questions about the implications of potential legal changes to abortion laws in the UK.

This lesson plan aligns with UK educational standards, encouraging students to engage with critical ethical discussions and contextual understanding of laws that impact society.