Resource

COVID and the Economy

Imposing a national lockdown is one of the hardest decisions a government is ever likely to face.

What would you have done in their position? And what role would economy have played in your decision? This free lesson plan thrusts students into the centre of a debate about how to spend government money in a time of crisis.

Overview

During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore the actions the Government has taken to save lives and what impact these are having on the economy.

Working in teams they will explore what impact the pandemic had on a specific industry area. Finally, they will be challenged to evaluate what proportion of a fictitious £10 billion recovery grant should be allocated to their industry area.

By the end of the lesson students will be able to:

  • Describe a range of the key economic decisions made by the Government during the ongoing pandemic and begin to explain the possible reasons behind these decisions;
  • Identify three different ways that the Government has provided support to individuals and businesses over the last 12 months;
  • Analyse the economic impact that the pandemic has had on a specific industry area;
  • Assess what support a specific industry area might require in order to recover.


Acknowledgment:

These teaching and learning resources were developed in partnership with the global firm, FTI Consulting. We are grateful for their support in boosting young people’s awareness of our democracy, and the ways we can work together to strengthen society for everybody.

More Lessons resources

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, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

I Am Unique

This lesson focuses on celebrating diversity and respecting differences. During the lesson pupils will gain an understanding of what it means to be unique through participating in a range of…

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

Resilience: Bouncing Back

This lesson helps children to develop resilience and consider how to respond to challenges in a positive way. The Go-Givers characters share their experiences of difficult situations and how they…

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, 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...

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

How Should We Farm?

In this lesson pupils will learn about different farming methods.  They will consider the advantages and disadvantages of these methods and learn how to identify labels that indicate how food…

More Politics and Democracy resources

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...

Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 2 – Negotiations

Through the example of Brexit talks, this lesson introduces pupils to the concept of negotiation and the skills required to succeed in negotiations. Activities are designed to give pupils the…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 2)

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 School…

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear

A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson,...

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, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Sentencing Myths (SmartLaw Subscription)

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…

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

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…

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, 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…