Who should get to be in charge?
Exploring how leaders can be chosen for leadership characteristics.
- Subjects >
- Religion and worldviews >
- Upper key stage 2 >
- Year 5 >
-
Who should get to be in charge?
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Explain how religious laws are created, using Muslim examples.
- Describe the concept of a bloodline and its relevance to succession in the British monarchy.
- Explain how Muhammad’s successor influenced different groups of Muslims and why.
- Linking Muhammad’s practices, sayings or actions to the formation of some religious laws.
- Show an understanding of how Guru Nanak chose his successor.
- Compare and contrast the leadership qualities of Sikh Gurus, noting virtues and selection methods.
- Discuss how Sikh teachings in the Guru Granth Sahib guide followers.
During the unit, a member of one of the worldviews covered, or someone from the local community, could be invited to share how they follow religious or non-religious laws and the influence they have on their day-to-day life.
Suggested prior learning
Why doesn’t Christianity always look the same?
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: How are laws created?
- To explore the creation of laws and teachings within communities.
Lesson 2: How is a leader chosen?
- To recognise why there are different ideas about succession in the Muslim worldview.
Lesson 3: Where do religious laws come from?
- To explore how some religious laws are created in the Muslim worldview.
Lesson 4: How did Guru Nanak choose a successor?
- To understand how Sikh Gurus were selected and the qualities valued in Sikh teachings.
Lesson 5: When can someone become a leader?
- To explore leadership qualities through monarchs and religious leaders.
Lesson 6: How can religious texts be leaders?
- To explain how the Guru Granth Sahib can be a guiding, living leader in the Sikh worldview.
Key skills
Key knowledge
Related content
Unit resources

Knowledge organiser – R&W Y5: Who should get to be in charge?
Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the 'Who should get to be in charge?' unit.

Vocabulary display – R&W Y5: Who should get to be in charge?
A display version of the vocabulary from the 'Who should get to be in charge?' unit.
Cross-curricular opportunities
British Values: Democracy; Tolerance of different cultures and religions; Mutual respect.
English: Reading comprehension; Spoken language.
History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality.
RSE: Respectful relationships.