This classroom resource was developed in partnership with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting. Their support enabled this specialist resource to be distributed to schools for free.
Overview
This free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives.
Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will:
- Understand the basic concept of economic cycles and key terms such as GDP, recovery, growth and recession
- Have explored a range of key indicators that demonstrate a growing or shrinking economy
- Have critically examined the impact the different stages of economic cycles can have on individuals in a range of circumstances.
Acknowledgements:
More Lessons 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…
Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)
The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
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...
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...
Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
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...
Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS4 (ages 14-16)
Citizenship: a privilege or a right?
Students research what the law says about the rights of individuals to become UK citizens and critically examine whether...
Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)
Sexting and the Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson explores what the law says in relation to the sending of sexually explicit images by those aged under 18. The lesson examines two scenarios of young people involved…
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)
Social Media and the Law (KS4) (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 these offences. Finally, students…
KS3 (ages 11-14)
Bar Mock Trial Competition – Support Videos
Preparing for the Bar Mock Trial Competition? Watch these video explainers, demonstrations and expert tips on key aspects of criminal trials. To access this content, register for our Bar Mock…
Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS5 (ages 16-18)
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
More resource packs
Related content
Democracy resources for ages 11-18
Political resources for secondary and post –16 students.