New
New
Year 11
AQA

Human rights and responsibilities

I can explain the nature and significance of human rights alongside corresponding responsibilities.

New
New
Year 11
AQA

Human rights and responsibilities

I can explain the nature and significance of human rights alongside corresponding responsibilities.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Human rights are based on the idea that all people have inherent dignity and should be treated fairly
  2. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights outlines basic rights that belong to every human being and influences laws
  3. The extent to which people receive these rights varies, e.g. historically Christianity has not always supported them
  4. Christian teaching supports human rights based on teachings about human dignity, love, justice and equality
  5. Rights often come with responsibilities to uphold such as the responsibility to honour and respect the rights of others

Keywords

  • Dignity - the worth and value of each human life

  • Justice - what is fair or right

  • Human rights - freedoms and protections every person should have because they are human

  • Responsiblities - the duty or obligation to act in a way that considers the impact on others

  • UDHR - the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948

Common misconception

Rights are more important than responsibilities

Most people believe that true justice involves both: rights must be protected, but everyone has a duty to care for others.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Human rights and responsibilities, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Use powerful images or a short video showing individuals standing up for others’ rights (e.g. Malala Yousafzai or Desmond Tutu).
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.
How is the Bible used in liturgical worship?
for group singing
Correct answer: as a set reading and guide for prayers
only for private study
Q2.
What is a key feature of baptism?
lighting a candle
wearing white robes
Correct answer: use of water and the Trinity
Q3.
What do Christians remember during the Eucharist?
Correct answer: Jesus’ death and resurrection
Jesus’ miracles
the Ten Commandments
Q4.
Which of these is an example of non-liturgical worship?
Correct answer: a spontaneous prayer group
a church service with hymns and readings
a Christmas Day sermon
Q5.
What is a misconception about baptism?
It must involve water.
Correct answer: It always happens when a person is a baby.
It is important to all Christians.
Q6.
What is transubstantiation?
belief the bread and wine are symbols only
belief communion is optional
Correct answer: belief the bread and wine become Jesus’ body and blood

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Human rights are based on the idea that every person has inherent and should be treated fairly.
Correct Answer: dignity, Dignity
Q2.
Francis encouraged Christians to stand up for the dignity and rights of all people, especially the poor and vulnerable.
Correct Answer: Pope
Q3.
With rights come , such as respecting the rights and freedoms of others.
Correct Answer: responsibilities, Responsibilities
Q4.
Why do Christians believe all people deserve human rights?
because they are citizens
Correct answer: because they reflect God’s image
because they follow church rules
Q5.
What is a responsibility that comes with freedom of speech?
Only speak when asked.
Use speech to express hatred.
Correct answer: Avoid spreading harm or hate.
Q6.
Why is it wrong to think rights matter more than responsibilities?
Rights are always limited by law.
Correct answer: Justice depends on respecting others too.
Most people don’t have rights.

Additional material

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