Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Useful questions to help develop children’s critical thinking, emotional literacy and empathy as well as support their moral development. These can be used when discussing stories or examining situations that…

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…

What’s included? A consideration of what it means to nurture children’s moral development A suggested methodology through which to...

In this lesson pupils will think about kind and unkind behaviour. They will consider how they can help and support each other in order to create a happy class community.…

In this lesson pupils will think about what home means to them through writing a poem inspired by the line ‘Home is where the heart is’. They will consider the…

During this assembly pupils consider what the word responsibility means.    You can find the ‘Taking responsibility’ lesson plan on the KS1 lesson page. The PowerPoint for the lesson is the…

During this lesson students explore what bias within the media is and how it differs from fake news. They consider the impact bias can have on individuals and society and…

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…

In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...

During this lesson children 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…

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…

In this lesson pupils will read a tale from Japanese folklore which tells of how one small act of generosity leads to big gains. They will think about whether generous…

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

Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different residents and analyse how the budget could be spent most effectively.…

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…

In this lesson pupils consider how infections can spread rapidly through a population and are introduced to the different infectious agents that cause disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasitic organisms).…

Discussion about how to spot the signs that someone is physically unwell, and who to tell, and how to spot the signs that someone is emotionally unwell. Can the same…

Through the story of ‘Tigger the football loving rabbit’ this assembly addresses children’s responsibilities towards pets and the happiness they can derive from relationships with animals. To access this content,…

In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...

During this lessons pupils will look at the history of the Magna Carta and consider how it has helped shape the laws we have today.   Pupils consider what ‘fairness’…

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

In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the terms ‘rights’ and ‘responsibilities’ and how they balance one another. They will then discuss and prepare a class charter that…

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…

In this lesson pupils will take part in discussions relating to situations of conflict. Pupils will consider actions which provoke conflict and actions which can help to calm conflict. They…

The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK in this world event where topics of global importance, from trade…

In this lesson pupils will think about the importance of caring for their community and the varied caring responsibilities which are held by members of the community. They will identify…

Pupils consider the importance of equal representation through learning from the example of Marley Dias and her campaign for better representation of black girls in literature. To access this content,…

With the help of one of the Go-Givers puppets or a soft toy, this assembly highlights how the rubbish we discard can and spoil the environment and endanger wildlife. The…

In 2021, COP26 was hosted in Glasgow. It was seen as a pivotal moment in tackling the global climate crisis. Help your students understand the impact the COP26 had and…

This lesson explores the issues of pollution of our planet and sustainable power. It is based around an animated story, involving the Go-Givers characters, in which creatures from a friendly…

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

This lesson introduces students to the concepts of their legal rights and responsibilities and explores how the law impacts their daily lives. Students explore the different ages that various laws…

Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026. To access this content, register for our Secondary School Subscription.

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…

A short lesson to help children understand what rules are and why we need them. Learning activities: Imagining the perfect classroom Helpful or not?  Children are asked to explore a…

During this assembly 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…

Every year, Young Citizens runs The Big Democracy Lesson, giving young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to be active citizens, both before and beyond the ballot box. Download the…

In this lesson pupils consider how infections can spread rapidly through a population and are introduced to the different infectious agents that cause disease (bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasitic organisms).…

During this lesson pupils explore what happens when laws are broken, learn about the different types of sentences that are given and the main purposes of sentencing. Before taking part…

In this short, 15 minute activity students use all they have learnt from earlier lessons to complete a quiz...

Our packs support KS2 and KS3 pupils to plan and deliver their very own mini social action project. By...

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…

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…

Students research what the law says about the rights of individuals to become UK citizens and critically examine whether there are any circumstances where it is legally or ethically appropriate…

This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different industries and the impact this would have on the economy and…

Every year, Young Citizens runs The Big Democracy Lesson, giving young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to be active citizens, both before and beyond the ballot box. Download the…

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…

During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...