Perspectives on Abortion

Curriculum Alignment

Subject: Religious Education
Year Group: Year 10
UK Curriculum Reference: GCSE Religious Studies, Component 2: Thematic Studies, specifically addressing the theme "Religion and Life." This lesson plan includes perspectives on abortion, which is a key issue explored within this component in both Christianity and Islam.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the concept of abortion and its ethical implications.
• Explore the views of Christianity and Islam on abortion.
• Develop critical thinking skills by discussing and evaluating different religious perspectives.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen
• Copies of handout (attached at the end)
• Poster paper and coloured pens
• Access to short videos/interviews/statements from religious figures, if possible

Lesson Structure (50 minutes)

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Context Setting

   • Greet students and introduce the topic of abortion, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for discussion. Emphasise the importance of understanding different perspectives.

2. Engage with an Initial Question

   • Pose an open question: “What do you think is the purpose of discussing controversial issues like abortion in Religious Education?” Allow students to share their thoughts briefly.

Direct Instruction (15 minutes)

3. Explanation of Abortion

   • Define abortion clinically and ethically. Discuss why it is a controversial issue, touching on aspects like personal choice, medical reasons, and societal implications.

4. Religious Perspectives

   • Christianity: Briefly cover predominant Christian views, mentioning the Catholic Church’s strong pro-life stance and other denominations' varying positions.
   • Islam: Explain the Islamic perspective, discussing when and if abortion is permissible, usually under dire circumstances, such as the mother's life being at risk.

5. Interactive Presentation

   • Use a short video or excerpt from an interview with religious figures which summarizes diverse perspectives within both religions.

Group Activity (15 minutes)

6. Discussion and Poster Creation
   • Divide the class into small groups (4-5 students each).
   • Assign each group to either Christianity or Islam and ask them to create a poster that summarises the religion’s view on abortion.
   • Encourage creativity and clarity, and instruct students to prepare to share their findings with the class.

Class Sharing and Debrief (10 minutes)

7. Group Presentations

   • Each group briefly presents their poster to the class. Encourage students to ask questions about each presentation.

8. Class Debrief

   • Conduct a class discussion on what was surprising or new to them, and the importance of understanding multiple viewpoints.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

9. Reflection

   • Ask students to write a brief reflection in their notebooks about what they learned and how their view on discussing controversial issues in education may have changed.

10. Wrap-up

    • Summarise key takeaways and thank students for their respectful participation.

Evaluation

• Assess student understanding through their group presentations and individual reflections.
• Use observation during class activities to ensure all students engage with the material appropriately.

This lesson is designed to balance informative content with interactive elements, supporting students of lower academic ability by offering clear, structured learning experiences and multiple opportunities for discussion and reflection.