Lourdes and Mary

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is designed for a mid-ability Year 9 class studying Religious Education, focusing on the significance of Lourdes as a Marian shrine and its importance in understanding Mary’s role in Catholicism. The lesson aligns with the National Curriculum for England (Religious Education) by exploring religious beliefs, teachings, and practices, while developing critical thinking and personal reflection skills.

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National Curriculum Links

• Key Stage 3 – Religious Education Programme of Study: Christianity

  • Pupils should study key aspects of Christian beliefs and teachings about God, the teachings and example of Jesus, and the significance of Mary.
  • Understand and explain the significance of places that are important to Christians, including pilgrimage sites.
  • Develop the ability to consider different beliefs and worldviews, and express their own ideas clearly.

• Learning Outcomes:

  • Pupils will understand who Mary is in Christianity and her role within the Church.
  • Pupils will evaluate the importance of Lourdes as a pilgrimage site.
  • Pupils will develop independent learning skills and the ability to communicate understanding in written and oral forms.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Describe the story of Lourdes and its connection to Mary.
2. Explain why Lourdes is a significant pilgrimage site for Catholics.
3. Reflect on Mary’s role in Catholic belief and her importance within the Church.
4. Use religious vocabulary confidently and work independently on tasks.
5. Demonstrate understanding through formative assessment activities.

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Resources Needed

• Projector and screen or whiteboard
• Printed fact sheets about Lourdes and Marian beliefs (simplified versions for EAL support)
• Images and short video clip of Lourdes (2-3 minutes, with subtitles or transcripts for EAL)
• Worksheets for independent tasks
• Post-it notes or mini whiteboards for formative assessment

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Lesson Structure and Timing

Time	Activity	Details and Differentiation
0 – 5 mins	Starter / Hook: Visual introduction	Show an evocative image of Lourdes and Mary. Ask pupils what they know about Mary and pilgrimage. Write key words on the board. EAL pupils can use keyword cards to help contribute.
5 – 15 mins	Teacher input: Story of Lourdes and Mary	Tell the story of Bernadette Soubirous and the apparitions at Lourdes. Use a short, clear video clip with subtitles. Emphasise Mary’s message and the significance of Lourdes as a place of healing and prayer. Check understanding through quick questions.
15 – 25 mins	Task 1 – Fact sheet activity (independent)	Pupils read a simplified fact sheet about Lourdes and Mary’s role. Provide a glossary for difficult words. Students complete a table: “What Lourdes is” / “Why it’s important” / “What Mary represents.” Teacher circulates to support, especially EAL learners.
25 – 35 mins	Task 2 – Reflective writing	Pupils write a short paragraph explaining why Lourdes is important to Catholics and what Mary’s role tells us about faith and hope in Catholicism. Encourage use of religious vocabulary from the fact sheet and prior learning.
35 – 45 mins	Group Discussion and Clarification	In pairs or small groups, pupils discuss their paragraphs and compare ideas. Teacher prompts deeper thinking with questions like: “How does Mary help Catholics in their everyday lives?” EAL pupils encouraged to express simple ideas aloud.
45 – 55 mins	Formative Assessment: Exit Ticket	Each pupil writes on a post-it note or mini whiteboard: “One thing I have learned about Mary and Lourdes” and “One question I still have.” Teacher collects these for quick assessment of understanding and next steps.
55 – 60 mins	Plenary / Summary	Recap the key points about Lourdes and Mary. Highlight how this links to the wider study of Mary this half term. Praise efforts and address any common misconceptions from exit tickets. Set a reflective question for homework: “Why might Mary’s role still be important to people today?”

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Differentiation

• Support for EAL: Simplified texts and glossary; visual and video supports with subtitles; paired work to build confidence.
• Challenge for more able: Encourage deeper reflection in writing; link Lourdes to wider themes of faith, miracles, and pilgrimage.
• Pupil agency: Independent tasks enable pupils to work at their own pace; teacher support is responsive.

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Assessment for Learning

• Formative questioning throughout the lesson during teacher input and tasks.
• Exit tickets provide immediate feedback on pupil understanding.
• Written paragraphs and group discussions evidence understanding of Mary’s role in Lourdes and Catholic belief.
• Feedback given verbally and via written comments.

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Extension Ideas (Optional)

• Create a short diary entry from Bernadette’s perspective.
• Research other Marian pilgrimage sites worldwide and compare.
• Explore the symbolism of Mary in Catholic art, starting with images from Lourdes.

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This lesson plan offers a rich, engaging experience that deepens pupils’ understanding of Mary’s significance and Lourdes’ role in Catholic spirituality, meeting the national curriculum standards and catering well to mixed ability and EAL needs.