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, 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...
Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)
How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?
The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the...
Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)
What is Philanthropy?
In this lesson pupils will learn about the meaning of the word philanthropy through looking at real life examples. They will consider why philanthropy is important and what motivates philanthropists.…
More Economics, Money and Managing Resources resources
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…
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...
Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS3 (ages 11-14)
How Does the Budget Impact Me and Others?
The resource consists of two activities. The first is a notation task based on the information provided about the...
More KS4 (ages 14-16) 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, 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.
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...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS4 (ages 14-16)
Who Owns Your Data?
This ready-to-teach double lesson pack is aimed at students in key stages 4 and 5. During the course of...
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…
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…