New
New
Year 10
AQA

The sacraments

I can explain the role and meaning of the sacraments, and diverse beliefs about the sacraments within Christianity.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

The sacraments

I can explain the role and meaning of the sacraments, and diverse beliefs about the sacraments within Christianity.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The sacraments are rites and rituals which are outward and visible sign of an invisible and spiritual grace.
  2. The number of sacraments, and their role and significance, differs across Christian denominations.
  3. The Roman Catholic Church and many Orthodox Christian Churches accept seven sacraments.
  4. For many Christians, baptism and Holy Communion are considered sacraments.
  5. The sacraments help Christians follow the example of Jesus, grow closer to God and mark significant events.

Keywords

  • Baptism - the sacrament through which people become members of the Church. It involves the use of water as a symbol of the washing away of sin.

  • Eucharist/Holy Communion - means 'thanksgiving'; a sacrament in which the death and resurrection of Jesus are celebrated, using bread and wine.

  • Sacrament - an outward sign of an invisible and inward blessing by God. For example: baptism, Eucharist.

Common misconception

All Christians celebrate the sacraments.

Many Christians do celebrate the sacraments, but not all Christians. For example, Quakers do not celebrate the sacraments.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The sacraments, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You may wish to share the story of Jesus' baptism from Matthew 3:13-17 with students.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The Bible is divided into two main sections: the Old and New .

Correct Answer: Testament, testament

Q2.
The New Testament focuses on the life and teachings of .

Correct Answer: Jesus

Q3.
Which type of worship follows a fixed pattern of prayers and readings?

Spontaneous worship
Correct answer: Liturgical worship
Meditation only

Q4.
What is a reason Christians read the Bible during worship?

Correct answer: To reflect on God’s messages
To entertain the congregation
To learn historical facts only

Q5.
What does the liberal view of the Bible suggest?

It must be followed word for word
It was created without God’s help
Correct answer: It was written by people inspired by God

Q6.
Which statement is true about how all Christians read the Bible?

All Christians interpret it literally
Correct answer: Christians may interpret it differently
Only clergy can read the Bible

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Sacraments are outward signs of God’s invisible .

Correct Answer: grace, Grace

Q2.
is the sacrament that marks entry into the Christian Church.

Correct Answer: Baptism, baptism

Q3.
Which two sacraments are accepted by many Protestant churches?

Marriage and Confirmation
Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick
Correct answer: Baptism and Holy Communion

Q4.
What do Orthodox Christians often call the sacraments?

Correct answer: Holy Mysteries
Holy Steps
Sacred Rites

Q5.
Which Christian group does not celebrate any sacraments?

Roman Catholics
Correct answer: Quakers
Orthodox Christians

Q6.
Why do some Christians celebrate the sacraments?

To perform miracles
Correct answer: To show commitment to their faith
To learn ancient languages

Additional material

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