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Year 11
AQA

Quality of life

I can explain the concept of quality of life and examine Christian and non-religious perspectives on what makes life of good quality.

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New
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Year 11
AQA

Quality of life

I can explain the concept of quality of life and examine Christian and non-religious perspectives on what makes life of good quality.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Quality of life refers to health, comfort and happiness, influenced by factors like health, relationships and freedom.
  2. Biblical teachings emphasise compassion and supporting others to improve quality of life.
  3. Anglicans, Catholics and Quakers value both the sanctity and quality of life, with a focus on human dignity.
  4. Humanism prioritises freedom and happiness as key components of a good quality of life.
  5. Sentientism links quality of life to the ability to experience pleasure and suffering.

Keywords

  • Quality of life - the standard of health, comfort and happiness or fulfillment experienced by a person or group

  • Sanctity of life - the belief that life is sacred/special because it was created by God, or because we are each unique individuals

  • Value - the worth, importance, or usefulness of something

Common misconception

Quality of life is about reducing suffering.

Quality of life means different things to different people. Whilst it can be about reducing suffering, it is influenced by individual values, preference and circumstances.


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

Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss different perspectives on quality of life, then share their conclusions with the class.
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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).

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Why do many Christians believe human life is sacred?
because humans have advanced intelligence
Correct answer: because every person is created in the image of God
because humans are stronger than other creatures
because life is valuable only when free from suffering
Q2.
Which Christian denomination teaches that every human life remains in a ‘special relationship with the Creator’?
Methodist Church
Correct answer: the Catholic Church
the Quaker Movement
The Church of England
Q3.
What would a Quaker most likely believe about the sanctity of life?
Correct answer: All life is sacred because everyone has a part of God within them.
Life’s value depends on a person’s actions.
Life is only sacred at the beginning and end.
Life should only be protected when it is useful to society.
Q4.
The term that means life has value because it is created by God or because we are unique is ...
Correct Answer: sanctity, Sanctity
Q5.
The view that life should be respected from conception to natural death is known as the sanctity of ...
Correct Answer: life, Life
Q6.
Non-religious thinkers like Peter Singer value life based on the ability to experience ...
Correct Answer: pleasure, Pleasure

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is the correct definition of 'quality of life'?
The belief that all human life is sacred and should always be preserved.
Correct answer: The standard of health, comfort and happiness experienced by a person or group.
A belief that life has no intrinsic value and depends only on individual choice.
The idea that every life has equal worth, regardless of circumstances.
Q2.
In religious discussions, the belief that life is sacred and should always be protected is called of life.
Correct Answer: sanctity
Q3.
Which of the following is a Christian teaching that supports improving the quality of life?
"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth."
Correct answer: "Love your neighbour as yourself." Matthew 22:39
"Money is the root of all evil."
"The meek shall inherit the earth."
Q4.
Non-religious perspectives, such as humanism, argue that is essential for a good quality of life because it allows people to make choices about their own happiness.
Correct Answer: freedom
Q5.
Which of the following best represents a Quaker view on quality of life?
It is unimportant because only the afterlife matters.
It is a personal issue and should not be a social concern.
Correct answer: It is a social responsibility, and we should work to improve it for everyone.
People with a poor quality of life are being punished for their actions.
Q6.
Philosopher Peter Singer argues that a better quality of life means experiencing more than suffering.
Correct Answer: pleasure