Perspectives on Divorce

Lesson Overview

Duration: 60 minutes
Class size: 25 students
Age group: 14-16 years (Key Stage 4, GCSE Religious Studies)
Curriculum links:

• AQA GCSE Religious Studies Component B – Christianity (Marriage and the Family)
• Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies – Religion, Philosophy and Ethics in the Modern World
• British Values: Tolerance, respect, and understanding different viewpoints

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe key Christian teachings on divorce and remarriage, including Catholic and Protestant perspectives.
2. Explain non-religious views on divorce and remarriage, including Humanism, atheism, and ethical theories like Situation Ethics.
3. Analyse and compare religious and non-religious perspectives critically.
4. Reflect on how ethical principles apply in real-life situations involving divorce and remarriage.

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Key Vocabulary

• Divorce
• Remarriage
• Annulment
• Sacrament
• Situation Ethics
• Humanism
• Atheism
• Morality
• Reconciliation

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity – "Personal Views Brainstorm" (10 minutes)

• Objective: Engage students’ prior knowledge and personal opinions about divorce and remarriage.
• Instructions:
  • Students write down three words or phrases that come to mind when they hear “divorce” and “remarriage”.
  • Pair-share their answers with a partner.
  • Whole-class quick discussion noting variety of views and emotions connected to the topics.

Teaching tip: Emphasise a respectful environment since this can be a sensitive subject for some students.

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2. Introducing Christian Views (15 minutes)

• Content:

  • Catholic teaching: Marriage as a sacrament, permanence of marriage, divorce not allowed but annulments permitted under strict conditions, remarriage generally not accepted in church unless annulled.
  • Protestant views: Generally more accepting of divorce and remarriage, often focus on forgiveness and reconciliation, recognise human imperfection.

• Activity:

  • Present a brief case study (fictional couple facing marital problems).
  • Split the class into two groups: Catholic and Protestant "advisors". Each group uses their teachings to give advice on the couple’s situation.
  • Share advice with the class, highlighting differences and similarities.

Resources: Use printed summary sheets or a well-prepared slide to support different denominational views.

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3. Non-Religious and Ethical Views (15 minutes)

• Content:

  • Humanist perspective: Marriage is a personal commitment, no religious binding, divorce and remarriage are acceptable if they promote happiness and wellbeing.
  • Atheist view: Morality is based on reason and empathy, with no divine command, so divorce/remarriage decisions are personal and ethical rather than religious.
  • Situation ethics: Developed by Joseph Fletcher; focuses on the most loving action in the context, suggests flexibility in moral decisions such as divorce if it leads to greatest love or least harm.

• Activity:

  • Present a short video clip or read a diary excerpt from a Humanist or atheist perspective (prepared in advance).
  • Group discussion: How might Situation Ethics approach the fictional couple's case?
  • Students write a short paragraph explaining which ethical or religious view they find most convincing and why.

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4. Critical Thinking and Reflection (15 minutes)

• Activity:
  • “Moral Dilemma” role play: In groups of 4-5, students are given different stakeholder roles (e.g., religious leader, Humanist friend, individual seeking divorce, child of divorcing couple).
  • Groups discuss and prepare a short role-play presenting the perspectives and concerns of each stakeholder regarding divorce and remarriage.
  • Class watches and provides constructive feedback on how each perspective was portrayed.

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5. Plenary – Summary and Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

• Quick recap quiz using mini whiteboards or verbal Q&A to reinforce key concepts.
• Exit ticket: On a small card, students write one new thing they learned and one question they still have. Collect cards to inform next lesson planning.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support: Provide sentence starters and glossary for students who struggle with vocabulary.
• Challenge: Extend role plays with added complexity (e.g., legal and cultural considerations).
• Alternative writing tasks for students who prefer written over oral activities.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through group work, role plays, and written paragraphs.
• Exit tickets provide insight into student understanding and remaining misconceptions.
• Teacher observation during discussions to gauge engagement and understanding.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• PSHE: Understanding relationships, family dynamics, and emotional health.
• English: Developing debate and persuasive writing skills.
• Citizenship: Respect for diverse beliefs and ethical reasoning.

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Resources Needed

• Case study handouts
• Summary sheets of Christian denominational teachings
• Video clip or written testimony for Humanism/atheism
• Mini whiteboards or cards for exit tickets
• Presentation slides or whiteboard for note-taking

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Note:
Ensure to handle the topic sensitively, recognising that some students may have personal experience with divorce or remarriage in their families. Foster an inclusive, respectful classroom atmosphere.

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This lesson supports the aims of the UK Religious Education Curriculum to develop critical thinking about religious, ethical and philosophical questions, fostering respect and understanding of diversity in society. It models active learning through discussion, role play and ethical evaluation, aligned with modern pedagogical best practices in RE teaching.