Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Bloom’s levels of learning with associated questioning verbs and exemplar questions. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

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…

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…

We know that positive change starts with many small actions. To access this content, register for our Primary School 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…

During this lesson pupils consider what we mean by the word community and are challenged to think about all the different community groups they belong to and how it feels…

In this lesson pupils consider how the internet can be a power for good and support active citizenship. Pupils explore a range of case studies before being challenged to identify…

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

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…

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,…

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…

In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of what is meant by the term ‘identity.’ They will explore their own sense of identity and share this with others, appreciating…

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…

Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future generations. By the end of the lesson students will be able…

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.…

During this assembly pupils are told the ancient Greek myth, Pandora’s Box. Pupils use the story to reflect on how hope can sustain us through difficult times. To access this content,…

In this lesson pupils consider how the internet can be a power for good and support active citizenship. Pupils...

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,…

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

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…

This resource pack is the third 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…

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,…

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

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…

Pupils learn about the reasons why charities are created. They will be introduced to the main features of a charity and have the opportunity to research the work of a…

This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…

Originally designed to be a companion pack for the Democracy Ambassadors programme, this handy toolkit will support students who...

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…

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…

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

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 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…

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…

We think about how our actions and words might affect other people, communities and the environment. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

In this lesson pupils will learn the meaning of the word habitat and have an introduction to different habitats that can be found in the UK. Pupils will examine how…

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

Did you know that the age of criminal responsibility in Wales is ten? In Scotland it is 12. In Wales you can legally leave full-time education at sixteen, whereas in…

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…

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 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…

During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they...

Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have been largely kept out of public conversations about it and our…

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…

This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...

The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...