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, Health and Wellbeing, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Who Keeps us Healthy?

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…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Conflicting Rights

In this lesson pupils will revisit their knowledge of human rights to consider situations in which people’s rights may appear in conflict with one another. Pupils will debate how they…

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

People Who Are Special To Me

In this lesson pupils will think about the ‘special people’ in their lives such as family, friends and carers. Pupils will be encouraged to recognise and respect the diversity found…

More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources

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, 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, 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 Politics and Democracy resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Children’s Rights

In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…

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

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 1)

Pupils will learn that public services are largely funded through the payment of taxes to the government. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

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

What is Democracy?

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

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock Parliament Debate

Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a...

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

Youth Justice (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson, students will explore the process a young person goes through when they commit, or are suspected of committing a crime. They will also examine different types of…

More KS5 (ages 16-18) 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...

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

Sentencing Guidelines (SmartLaw Subscription)

This lesson asks students to consider the key findings of a harassment trial and conclude what sentence should be given to the guilty party. During the course of the lesson…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Be Your Own Councillor

Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...

Related content

Democracy resources for ages 11-18

Political resources for secondary and post –16 students.