The Journey Begins

Curriculum Information

• Subject: Religious Education
• Year Group: Year 7
• Lesson Number: 1 of 12 in "Religions Unleashed: Card Quest"
• Time: 45 minutes
• Class Size: 15 students
• Curriculum Links:
  • UK National Curriculum for Religious Education (KS3):
    • Understanding the diversity of religious beliefs and practices
    • Exploring the impact of religion on individuals and communities
    • Developing philosophical and ethical thinking

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand the foundational concepts of Hinduism, including multiple deities, karma, and dharma.
2. Recognise the cultural and spiritual significance of the Ganges River.
3. Explore major Hindu festivals and their importance.
4. Engage in interactive learning through a Card Quest challenge.

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Lesson Structure

Starter Activity (5 minutes) – ‘The Mystery Box’

• Prepare a small box containing symbolic Hindu items (e.g., a small elephant figurine for Ganesha, incense, a diya lamp, and an image of the Ganges River).
• Pass the box around and allow students to take out one item, making predictions about what it might represent.
• Link their ideas to today’s lesson: Introduction to Hinduism.

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Main Teaching (15 minutes) – ‘Unlocking Hinduism’

1. Who are the Hindu Deities? (5 minutes)

• Explain that Hinduism is a polytheistic religion with many gods, each representing different aspects of life.
• Introduce Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer) as key deities.
• Display an image of the Hindu Trimurti and ask students:
  • "What do you think their roles might be in Hindu beliefs?"

2. Understanding Karma & Dharma (5 minutes)

• Define karma (actions have consequences) and dharma (duties in life).
• Use an analogy: imagine life as a "cosmic boomerang"—what you throw out (actions) comes back to you.
• Students discuss in pairs:
  • "How do karma and dharma shape the way some Hindus live?"

3. The Sacred Ganges (5 minutes)

• Show an image of the River Ganges and ask students what they notice.
• Explain that the Ganges is sacred in Hinduism, believed to purify sins and bring peace.
• Quick discussion: "Can you think of any places that are considered sacred in different religions?"

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Interactive Activity (15 minutes) – Card Quest: Hindu Wisdom

• Split the class into three teams.
• Each team receives a set of game cards with different Hindu beliefs, deities, or festivals.
• Their mission:
  • Match the concepts to their correct definitions (e.g., Diwali – Festival of Lights)
  • Arrange them in a logical order (e.g., the cycle of karma and dharma).
• Winning team = the one with the most correct matches.
• Debrief: Each team shares one new fact they learned during the challenge.

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Plenary (5 minutes) – Reflection & Exit Ticket

• Question: "If you could visit one Hindu festival or sacred place, which would it be and why?"
• Each student writes their response on an exit ticket before leaving.

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Assessment for Learning (AfL)

• Verbal responses in discussions.
• Completion of Card Quest activity (checking understanding of Hindu beliefs and practices).
• Exit tickets demonstrating individual reflections.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Visual learners: Images of deities and the Ganges River.
• Kinaesthetic learners: Mystery Box and interactive Card Quest.
• EAL students: Key terms (karma, dharma, Trimurti) displayed with visual cues.
• Advanced learners: Challenge question – "How do karma and dharma relate to moral decision-making in modern life?"

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Resources Needed

✔ Mystery Box with Hindu symbols
✔ Printed Card Quest game cards
✔ Images of Hindu deities and Ganges River
✔ Exit tickets

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Teacher Reflection Post-Lesson

• Which aspects of the lesson engaged students the most?
• Did students demonstrate a clear understanding of Hindu beliefs?
• Were there any misconceptions that need addressing in the next lesson?

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Next Lesson Preview – ‘The Many Faces of God’

Students will explore how Hindu deities have different forms and avatars, diving deeper into the symbolism behind them.

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Final Thought:

This isn’t just a lesson—it's the start of a journey! 🚀 Engage Year 7 students using storytelling, discovery, and hands-on learning to make Hinduism come alive in the classroom.