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, 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…
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 School…
Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)
Challenging Stereotypes
This lesson is divided into two parts. In the first section of the lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the term ‘stereotype’, identify examples of stereotypical opinions and discuss…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)
You Decide! (KS3)
This resource will allow students to critically consider what reasons and ways the government can take to support different...
Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)
Who’s Really Paying for COVID?
Young people are, and will continue to be, some of the most impacted by COVID. However their voices have...
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…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)
Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change
During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...
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...
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 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...
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, 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…