Exploring Religious Diversity

Overview

This engaging 60-minute lesson enables Year 6 students to investigate and interpret national data on religion and worldviews. They will learn about the plurality of religions in England using real census data, developing their RE analytical and enquiry skills as outlined in the National Curriculum for England.

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National Curriculum Links

Religious Education: Key Stage 2

• Pupils should develop their knowledge and understanding of some of the beliefs, teachings and practices of the principal religions and worldviews represented in Great Britain.
• Pupils should explore questions about meaning, purpose, values and commitment by relating beliefs, teachings and practices to their own experiences and to the issues and challenges they face.
• Pupils should develop skills of enquiry and the ability to use and interpret information about religion, making connections between different aspects of religion and belief.

See Religious Education Programme of Study Key Stage 2.

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Learning Objective

• Can investigate national data to identify the plurality of religion and worldviews in England.
• Can interpret statistical data to understand the religious landscape of contemporary Britain.

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Success Criteria

• I can read and understand data charts about religion in England.
• I can identify and name at least six major religions/worldviews represented nationally.
• I can explain what "plurality" means and give examples from data.
• I can reflect on how religious diversity shapes communities.

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Resources

• Printed copies of the religion census data (from Doc1.docx) - with percentages for Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jewish, other religions, and no religion.
• Large flip chart or whiteboard.
• Coloured sticky notes or cards (one per religion/worldview).
• Devices or printed maps of the UK (optional).
• "Religion Pie Chart" worksheet (custom-made, blank pie charts for students to fill).

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Lesson Outline

1. Engage (10 mins)

• Starter Question: "How many religions can you name?" Write answers on the board.
• Explain the word plurality: multiple religions and beliefs existing side by side.
• Briefly introduce the 2011 England and Wales religion census data (using data from Doc1.docx):
  • Christian 45.2%
  • No religion 37.2%
  • Muslim 6.5%
  • Hindu 1.7%
  • Sikh 0.9%
  • Jewish 0.5%
  • Buddhist 0.5%
  • Other religions 0.6%

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2. Explore (20 mins)

• Group Work: Split class into 6 groups, each assigned one or two religions/worldviews from the data.
• Provide groups with sticky notes/cards with their assigned religion name and percentage.
• Each group: Discuss and think about what they might know about their religion/worldview and any questions they have about it.
• Groups place their sticky notes on a large outline of a pie chart on the board according to the correct percentage.
• Brief whole-class discussion: Why do these percentages matter? (Focus on diversity, inclusion, and respect.)

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3. Explain (15 mins)

• Using the filled pie chart, explain how the data shows there is no single religion that everyone follows, illustrating plurality.
• Ask students to consider:
  • What might it mean to live in a country with many religions and worldviews?
  • How might this plurality influence schools, communities, and celebrations?
• Introduce the concept of “worldviews” including non-religious beliefs like humanism or secularism represented by the "No religion" 37.2%.

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4. Elaborate (10 mins)

• Individual Task: Complete the "Religion Pie Chart" worksheet by colouring in sections based on the data and writing a short summary for each religion/worldview’s presence in England.
• Challenge pupils to write one interesting fact or question about religious diversity.

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5. Evaluate (5 mins)

• Quick round-table: Each pupil shares one thing they learned or found surprising about religious diversity.
• Use a short quiz or thumbs up/down: Can they
  • Name 3 religions with the largest following?
  • Explain what "plurality" means?

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of group discussions and pie chart activity – use questioning to probe understanding.
• Review completed pie chart worksheets for accuracy in interpreting data and ability to describe plurality.
• Check oral contributions during evaluate phase for misconceptions or deeper insights.

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Differentiation

• Support: Provide sentence starters on worksheets.
• Extension: Students research and briefly present about one religion/worldview beyond the data (e.g., traditions, festivals).

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Reflection and Cross-Curricular Links

• Links to geography: understanding cultural diversity across the UK’s regions.
• Literacy: Summarising data and expressing opinions respectfully.
• PSHE: Promotes respect and tolerance for different beliefs and worldviews.

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This lesson creatively integrates statistical data literacy with core RE learning objectives, helping pupils appreciate the diverse religious and non-religious landscape of contemporary England.