Resource

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Conflict and controversy is a fact of life

In an age of mass media and electronic communication, children and young people are regularly exposed to the conflicts and controversies of adult life.

Overview

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and online can cause anxieties and increase aggressive behaviour, as children role play war games and toy gunfights. Groups denigrated in the tabloid press provide young people with the…

To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

More Classroom Toolkits resources

Classroom Toolkits

The Art of Positive Criticism

Advice on how to encourage children to support each other in the classroom with tips on how pupils can give feedback in a way that is contructive, protects self-esteem and…

Classroom Toolkits

De Bono Hats

The best decisions often come from looking at problems from different viewpoints. By using De Bono Thinking hats children learn how to change their style of thinking to find new…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

What is a Political Party?

This resource pack is the fourth of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the concept of democracy. Each pack can be delivered independently of each…

More Community resources

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Golden Statue

In this lesson pupils will read an adapted version of a Buddhist legend that encourages them to reflect on how the generosity with which a gift is given is more…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Migration

In this lesson pupils will gain an understanding of the term ‘migration’ and some of the reasons why people migrate. They will consider the benefits of migration for a country…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Understanding Cancer

Many children in classrooms all around the country are dealing with cancer in one way or another at any given time. This lesson seeks to answer some of their questions…

More Digital Citizenship resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has on them and society Learn about the laws that regulate the…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear

A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson, students will learn about the impact that filter bubbles might have…

Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Being An Online Citizen

During this lesson pupils consider their rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, focusing on how the online world can be used as a force for good. Pupils consider what skills,…

More Diversity and Inclusion resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Cultural Diversity in the UK

In this lesson pupils will be learning about cultural diversity in the UK and some of the historical factors that have contributed to the diversity of the UK population. Pupils…

Certificates, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Standing up for Others (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Stand Up For Others. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills…

Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Family Law – Cohabitation and Marriage (SmartLaw Subscription)

During the course of the lesson students will learn the difference between marriage and cohabitation and consider what legal rights come with both. Students will  explore the changing attitudes in…

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Money – Wants and Needs

Pupils will consider the difference between wants and needs and discuss how our wants and needs can influence how we spend money. To access this content, register for our Primary…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

The Economy Quiz

In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz all about the economy. Before delivering this activity, students will need…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

COVID and the Economy

During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore the actions the Government has taken to save lives and what…

More Health and Wellbeing resources

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Resilience: Bouncing Back

This lesson helps children to develop resilience and consider how to respond to challenges in a positive way. The Go-Givers characters share their experiences of difficult situations and how they…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Crime and its Impact (SmartLaw Subscription)

Students explore the impact of crime on those surrounding the victim and the perpetrator and consider the financial, physical and emotional ripples that crime can have on a community. Please…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Cancer – Early Detection and Prevention

This lesson has been designed in response to the Big Vote, where children voted on what issues they most cared about. The vote was to mark the ten year anniversary…

More Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 1)

Pupils will learn that public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes to the government. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Who Runs the Country?

In this lesson pupils explore who runs the country and how they are elected. Pupils will learn about the important role that MPs play in representing the people who live…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Law Makers (SmartLaw Subscription)

In this lesson students examine what the rule of law is and why we need it. They consider how and why laws are made in the UK and what the…

More Relationships resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Social Media and the Law (KS3) (SmartLaw Subscription)

Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of committing these offences. The…

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of...

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Golden Statue

In this lesson pupils will read an adapted version of a Buddhist legend that encourages them to reflect on how the generosity with which a gift is given is more…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Plastic Pollution (KS2)

Find out more about the impact of plastic on our oceans. Watch this introductory video and use our free resources.   Explore the importance of the oceans and the impact…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Voting and the General Election

This resource pack is the second of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the concept of democracy. Each pack can be delivered independently of each…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

The NHS

During this lesson pupils will learn about the founding of the NHS and the guiding principles upon which it was established. Pupils will explore a variety of scenarios in which…

More Sustainability and the Environment resources

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Plastic Pollution (KS1)

During this lesson children explore the environmental effects of plastic pollution by carrying out a number of experiments. They then go on to consider how they can take action against…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

World Female Ranger Day (KS1)

During this lesson pupils will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

The Value of Trees

This lesson is one of a collection which examine environmental issues.  In this lesson pupils will learn about the role trees play in supporting life on Earth and their importance…

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

An Introduction to Discrimination Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson looks at the history of anti-discrimination law, the different types of discrimination (i.e. direct and indirect discrimination) and how the law deals with discrimination. It can be delivered…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Where do you stand?

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider topical issues related to their school life. Pupils will consider the strength of arguments for and against…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…

More KS1 (ages 5-7) resources

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Working as Part of a Team (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Work as a Team. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills…

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of...

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Litter: The Picnic

In this lesson pupils will follow the story of the Go-Givers having a picnic.  Pupils will think about the problems caused by littering and how they can take responsibility for…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Migration

In this lesson pupils will gain an understanding of the term ‘migration’ and some of the reasons why people migrate. They will consider the benefits of migration for a country…

Assemblies, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Inspirational People – Nelson Mandela

This assembly is an introduction to the life and work of Nelson Mandela. You may like to run it in conjunction with the lesson ‘Inspirational People.’    To access this content,…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Discrimination

In this lesson pupils will develop their understanding of the term ‘discrimination’. Pupils will consider what makes them unique and learn which characteristics are protected under the Equality Act. Pupils…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?

The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the Budget and welfare benefits. The second task provides an opportunity for…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Youth Justice (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson, students will explore the process a young person goes through when they commit, or are suspected of committing a crime. They will also examine different types of…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Create a Local Council Budget

Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working in teams, students evaluate the local needs and priorities of the…

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Who’s to Blame? (SmartLaw Subscription)

This activity is based on the case of R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) – two sailors accused of murdering cabin boy Richard Parker, after being cast adrift on the…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Who Owns Your Data?

This ready-to-teach double lesson pack is aimed at students in key stages 4 and 5. During the course of the two lessons students will: Examine what the term digital footprint…

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Climate Action: Circular Economies

During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more sustainable society. Students examine the difference between linear and circular economies…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Consumer Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson explores the law concerning buying and selling goods and services highlighting what their rights and responsibilities are as a consumer. The lesson gives students the opportunity to practice…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS5 (ages 16-18)

Housing Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

In this lesson students explore a range of different housing situations someone can find themselves in. They examine some of the common legal issues concerning housing including common landlord and…