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…

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…

During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what is causing its loss. They examine who has responsibility for minimising…

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…

In this lesson pupils will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens with the potential to make a positive difference in society. The lesson opens with the traditional tale…

According to research by the charity Ditch the Label, 7 in 10 young people have experienced cyberbullying, 20% of whom experience it daily. Support your students to know their legal…

During this assembly pupils reflect on how social media can be an important platform for raising awareness of issues that are important to pupils through the example of Martha Payne’s school…

In this lesson, pupils explore what a digital footprint is. They consider what is and isn’t appropriate to share online thinking about the impact of this information both now and…

In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of the Go-Giver characters and design a playground that matches these requirements. They will work in groups to present…

In this lesson pupils will take part in icebreaker activities that encourage them to consider the views and experiences of their classmates. They will discuss common problems that can arise…

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…

Pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. To access this content, register for our Primary…

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

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…

In this lesson about friendship, pupils will follow the story of Digby who is upset when his best friend Anna starts spending a lot of time with someone else. Pupils…

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…

In this lesson pupils will discuss the principles of simple mediation strategies and apply these in role play scenarios to explore how people can voice and resolve their differences. The…

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 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…

By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and the budget; Assess the impact of changes to taxation and welfare…

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

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…

During this lesson pupils explore the concept of marriage and civil partnerships focusing on the fact that they are a legal commitment between two people and what this means. Pupils…

Decided to do a sponsored event to raise money for charity but not sure what the sponsor form should look like? Download an example form here. To access this content,…

During this assembly pupils reflect on how social media can be an important platform for raising awareness of issues that are important to pupils through the example of Martha Payne's school…

In this lesson pupils will learn about the qualities of water and why it is vital to life on Earth.   They will consider the problems facing people who cannot…

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We are Part of a World-Wide Community. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills…

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…

This lesson explores the nature of respect. It considers respect for oneself, respect for others, respect in sport and respect for the environment. Suitable for all of KS2. Links: British values,…

Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a two hour period and is split into three parts: Part 1:…

During this lesson pupils use the story ‘All at Sea’ to explore how a group of citizens should organise a new society under a challenging set of circumstances. Each chapter…

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…

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…

In this lesson pupils will share their likes and dislikes as well as what makes them special. Activities provide lots of opportunities for pupils to learn about their classmates and…

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We are Part of a World-Wide Community. Each...

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

When faced with challenges we keep on trying and learn from our mistakes. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

In this lesson pupils consider what being healthy means and who plays a role in keeping the population healthy. The coronavirus pandemic is given as an example of populations taking…

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…

This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…

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

This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…

Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...

During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...

The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the judicial system, its venues and access to senior legal professionals. Some…

Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...

This short activity challenges young people’s perceptions of current sentencing guidelines. It can be run as a standalone activity or as an extension activity as part of a mock trial…