Tudor Christianity

This series of Tudor Religion KS2 RE lessons explore the changes made to religion during the Tudor period. The children have the chance to investigate the role the monarchs had in changing religion in England and how people such as Martin Luther began new beliefs and Christian denominations.

The lessons look in-depth at the beliefs and practices of the Roman Catholic faith and use these to compare to the Protestant faith. They explore the separation of the Church of England from Rome and the reasons behind this big change. Children use what they have learnt to reflect on their own lives and conclude the lessons by discovering the role the Church of England has in modern-day Britain.

You might also like our Tudors Topic Bundle – perfect if you want a cross-curricular approach to your teaching! 

The Roman Catholic Church

During this lesson, your children will discover the way religion was structured and organised at the beginning of the Tudor period. They then explore the monarch’s role in religion and the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church.

During the activity part of the lesson, children are given the chance to explore the act of confession in detail, which provides a good opportunity to look at apologies and making amends. They also have the opportunity to record and illustrate the facts they have learnt about the Catholic Church.

View Lesson 1

Who was Martin Luther?

Introduce your class to the historical figure Martin Luther and discuss how his actions changed religion in Britain. Find out who he was and his reasons behind wanting to change the way in which the church was run.

In this lesson the children will have the chance to discuss whether they agree with Martin Luther’s beliefs and which they feel they agree with most, giving reasons to justify their ideas.

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The Separation of the Church of England

Was Henry VIII right to separate the Church of England from the Roman Catholic church? Allow your class to investigate Henry VIII’s beliefs about this major change to English religion and the many reasons behind his actions. Then give the children the opportunity to debate whether Henry was right or wrong, in pairs or as a whole class.

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The Protestant Faith

Introduce your class to Edward VI and the beginning of more changes to religion in England when he became king. Reflect back on the beliefs of Martin Luther and the changes that had already been made to England’s religion.

Children have the opportunity to use what they have learnt to compare the Protestant faith with the Catholic faith, pointing out the major differences between the two.

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Christianity Today

Reflect on the changes that were made to religion during the Tudor period and how they have changed society today. Discover what role the Church of England has in modern society and how modern Christians uphold or change their beliefs today. Create a rich discussion around the teachings of the Bible and whether they are important in modern society, allowing the children to reflect on their own principles and beliefs.

View Lesson 5