1.
Big Ideas for RE
KS4 Curriculum
Christianity
Beliefs (AQA a)
Created in 2019. Project funded by

2.
AQA a: CHRISTIANITY, BELIEFS
The nature of God:
• God as omnipotent, loving and just, and
the problem of evil and suffering
• the oneness of God and the Trinity:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• Different Christian beliefs about creation
including the role of Word and Spirit
(John 1:1–3 and Genesis 1:1–3).
• Different Christian beliefs about the
afterlife and their importance, including:
resurrection and life after death;
judgement, heaven and hell.
Jesus Christ and salvation
Beliefs and teachings about:
• the incarnation and Jesus as the Son of
God
• the crucifixion, resurrection and
ascension
• sin, including original sin
• the means of salvation, including law,
grace and Spirit
• the role of Christ in salvation including
the idea of atonement.

3.
BELIEFS
Religion has beliefs
At the heart of each religion is a particular set of beliefs. These beliefs, some of which are shared with other
religions, offer a particular vision of the universe, humanity, meaning and truth. Beliefs about the nature of
reality underpin religious ritual and expression.
DIVERSITY
Religion is diverse Within each religion's internal landscape of belief there is variation and sometimes dissent or disagreement.
Key religious concepts can be understood in diverse ways. Differences in outlook shape practice and
expression. Different groups might be associated with particular times or places.
CONTEXT
Religious beliefs and
practices have a
context
Every modern religion can be understood as the result of political, social, economic or existential pressures
that have occurred throughout its history. Understanding such pressures can enhance understanding of the
religion. The development of a religion can be seen through large-scale movements or the influence of
figures and groups throughout its history; modern religious forms can be understood as contingent on these
pressures and individuals.
ETHICS
Religion has an
ethical dimension
Each religion offers ethical principles regarding social, practical and spiritual matters. Some religious ethical
principles apply within the logic of the religion only, while others apply to human societies more widely.
Religion is one form, but not the only form, of ethical guidance. Aspects of religion can raise ethical
questions, such as regarding equality and power.
PHILOSOPHY
Religion raises
philosophical
questions
Each religion provides answers to questions of ultimate meaning. Religious answers to such questions are
part, but not all, of the ways these questions might be answered. Some answers offered from within religion
raise further questions, such as regards authority or reliability.

4.
KS4: AQA A
Christianity: Beliefs
KEY QUESTION AND CONTENT BIG IDEAS LEARNING
1-2: Why is Christianity called ‘Christianity’?
Nicene Creed
Christian belief in the Trinity
CONTEXT: recap timeline- Jesus’ death and Christian beliefs about his
resurrection. Info on ecumenical councils. Formulation of Nicene creed.
BELIEFS: Trinitarian beliefs, that set Christianity apart from Judaism
3-4: Can the Bible be read differently within
Christianity?
Beliefs about creation
Beliefs in God
CONTEXT: brief recap about the nature of the Bible, Gen 1 and 2; what
types of book, their message.
DIVERSITY: different Christian interpretations of Genesis and creation
BELIEFS: recap Trinity and creation, Christian beliefs about God
5-6: Jesus: what’s the big deal?
Beliefs about the nature of Jesus
Beliefs about salvation
CONTEXT: recap Jesus’ life and death
BELIEFS: recap meaning of Jesus’ life and death
BELIEFS: Christian salvation theology
7-8: This life or the next life: what is more
important?
Christian beliefs about the afterlife
Differing views of the afterlife.
BELIEFS: recap salvation theology
BELIEFS: info about Christian beliefs in the afterlife
DIVERSITY: different Christian interpretations of afterlife beliefs
9-10: Does God have to be Good?
The problem of evil
Christian responses
PHILOSOPHY: problem of evil
DIVERSITY: different Christian responses to problem of evil
11-12: Quiz/ exam
‘Salvation is the most important Christian
belief’. Discuss (12)
a) Recap/ revision of key words and concepts
b) 12 mark question: salvation. Create as a class. Write up for HW.