Matters of Life and Death
The film explores the rights and wrongs of some of life’s biggest questions. Captured as beautiful and engaging short documentary portraits, these powerful and thought-provoking real-life stories present students with personal perspectives on important issues in religion, morality and ethics; based on major themes explored in Key Stage 4 Religious Studies and Ethics lessons.
From whether it is okay to have an abortion – through to thoughts on the death penalty and euthanasia, the film poses stimulating questions such as: , ‘Is assisted suicide murder or is it kind to relieve those that are suffering?’; ‘When does life begin?’; and ‘Is it ever right to start a war?’.
Students are encouraged to think critically and discuss the positions they personally occupy, relating them to their own beliefs and experiences. The film includes representatives of different faiths and religions explaining their perspective on the topics covered in the film. Topics include: Abortion, Assisted Suicide, the notion of having a Saviour Sibling, the Death Penalty, Animal Testing and War. Narrated by Romola Garai.
Individuals clips of the film are available on BBC’s Learning Zone.
KS4: Religion and Ethics