Year 9 - Religious education
Exploring 'other' religion - Paganism
Census: How has the landscape of belief changed in Britain?
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will interpret census data to explore religion and belief in the UK. They will examine the growing diversity within Christianity and the rise of cultural Christians. They will use work by the sociologist, Linda Woodhead, to analyse the rise of 'no religion' in the UK.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain what Paganism is and give reasons for the growth in numbers in the census of England and Wales.
Key Notes
- Various different worldviews fall under the term 'Paganism'.
- Shamanism is the fastest growing religious group in England and Wales, according to the census.
- There are different groups within Paganism, including Wicca and Druid.
- Pagan traditions have a focus on the natural world and feminine divine energies.
Vocabulary To Learn
- census: an official count of a country's population, usually including details like age, sex, and occupation
- nature-based: nature is sacred and central to beliefs and rituals
- Paganism: umbrella term for different worldviews often connected to nature, ancient traditions and forms of polythesim
- Shamanism: a spiritual practice found in many cultures where a shaman (a healer or spiritual guide) connects with the spirit world to help people
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- That there is only one form of Paganism.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Various different worldviews fall under the term 'Paganism'. Shamanism is the fastest growing religious group in England and Wales, according to the census.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'census'
an official count of a country's population, usually including details like age, sex, and occupation.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: That there is only one form of Paganism. Correction: Paganism is not one set religion or pathway but an umbrella term used for various nature based religious traditions including Wicca, Druidry and Shamanism, among others.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 9 Religious education guide library.