Resource

Make a Difference in a Day

A social action drop-down day for primary schools.

Overview

The Make a Difference in a Day resource pack has been created for teachers who want to deliver a drop down day with children focusing on making a difference to a community space that’s important to them.

This free package of resources comprises:

  • Set of teachers’ notes;
  • PowerPoint slides;
  • Pupil workbook;
  • Social action activity suggestions;
  • Stimulus pictures.

Taken together, the resources lead children through a mini community project focused on an issue identified as a local concern, such as tackling the problem of air pollution caused by traffic, protecting local biodiversity, improving access to community buildings or tackling issues of litter and plastic pollution.

Make a Difference in a Day is designed to be used with either the whole school, a year group, or a single class. It’s primarily pitched at key stage 2 pupils, but can be adapted for younger – or older – pupils.

The production of this resource was made possible through generous funding from the Co-op Community Foundation Community Spaces programme, which encourages and supports young people to identify and improve community spaces near them for the benefit of other young people and the wider community. 

Suggested next steps:

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Exploring Our Community

In this lesson pupils will research what is meant by the word ‘community’. Pupils will think about who lives in their area and what services and facilities there are for…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 1 – Referendum

Pupils will be given a brief introduction to the European Union. They will learn about why people’s opinions about the EU are divided and the results of the EU referendum.…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Local and Central Government

This resource pack is the third of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...

More Community 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, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 1 – Referendum

Pupils will be given a brief introduction to the European Union. They will learn about why people’s opinions about the EU are divided and the results of the EU referendum.…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Plastic Pollution (KS2)

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

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for our Communities

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…

Certificates, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Making a Difference (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Make a Difference in our Communities. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The…

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

My Goals

In this lesson pupils will learn to set simple goals and consider the steps they can take towards achieving them. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Assemblies, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Inspirational People – Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole

This assembly is an introduction to the lives of Florence Nightingale and Mary Seacole. You may like to run it in conjunction with the lesson ‘Inspirational People.’      To access…

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Being an Explorer (certificate)

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,…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Make a Difference in a Day

The Make a Difference in a Day resource pack has been created for teachers who want to deliver a...

Related content

Bring About Change

A youth-led social action programme for secondary and post-16 learners.

Homelessness

Year 6 at Churchhill Primary School in Kent explain how they made a difference to homeless people.

Why teach citizenship?

Citizenship is a statutory national curriculum subject There are many reasons to teach citizenship. For a start, it is...