Resource

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Conflict and controversy is a fact of life

In an age of mass media and electronic communication, children and young people are regularly exposed to the conflicts and controversies of adult life.

Overview

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and online can cause anxieties and increase aggressive behaviour, as children role play war games and toy gunfights. Groups denigrated in the tabloid press provide young people with the…

To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

More Classroom Toolkits resources

Assessment

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Bloom’s levels of learning with associated questioning verbs and exemplar questions. To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

Classroom Toolkits

Teaching Controversial Issues

This training pack is a professional development programme for teachers, which is designed to support and promote the teaching...

Classroom Toolkits

Ground Rules

Advice on creating a safe learning environment and important information to prepare children and support teachers before discussing sensitive or controversial issues raised in the Go-Givers lessons. To access this…

More Community resources

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

Crime and its Impact (SmartLaw Subscription)

Students explore the impact of crime on those surrounding the victim and the perpetrator and consider the financial, physical and emotional ripples that crime can have on a community. Please…

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

Design an Inclusive Playground

In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of the Go-Giver characters and design a playground that matches these requirements. They will work in groups to present…

More Digital Citizenship resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Fake News

In this lesson pupils will learn what is meant by ‘fake news’ and the risks that it poses to them and society. Pupils will be introduced to the concept of…

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, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

The Internet: a Power for Good

In this lesson pupils consider how the internet can be a power for good and support active citizenship. Pupils explore a range of case studies before being challenged to identify…

More Diversity and Inclusion resources

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

Design an Inclusive Playground

In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of the Go-Giver characters and design a playground that matches these requirements. They will work in groups to present…

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…

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...

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, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of...

More Health and Wellbeing resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Conflict: Part 2 – Mediation

In this lesson pupils will discuss the principles of simple mediation strategies and apply these in role play scenarios to explore how people can voice and resolve their differences. The…

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

How Do You Feel Today?

Discussion about how to spot the signs that someone is physically unwell, and who to tell, and how to spot the signs that someone is emotionally unwell. Can the same…

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

The Gift of Hope

During this assembly pupils are told the ancient Greek myth, Pandora’s Box. Pupils use the story to reflect on how hope can sustain us through difficult times. To access this content,…

More Politics and Democracy resources

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

Where do you stand?

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider topical issues related to their school life. Pupils will consider the strength of arguments for and against…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Who Runs the Country?

In this lesson pupils explore who runs the country and how they are elected. Pupils will learn about the important role that MPs play in representing the people who live…

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 Relationships resources

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…

Lessons, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Chicken Soup

In this lesson pupils will read a tale adapted from Jewish folklore that explores the theme of sharing. Pupils will reflect on the behaviour of the characters and consider how…

Lessons, Relationships, KS2 (ages 7-11)

What is a Citizen?

In this lesson pupils will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens with the potential to make a positive difference in society. The lesson opens with the traditional tale…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Assemblies, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Representation

Pupils consider the importance of equal representation through learning from the example of Marley Dias and her campaign for better representation of black girls in literature. To access this content,…

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

The Value of Trees

This lesson is one of a collection which examine environmental issues.  In this lesson pupils will learn about the role trees play in supporting life on Earth and their importance…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Family Life

In this lesson pupils will think about what it means to be part of a family and how they can make a positive difference in their family life. Pupils will be…

More Sustainability and the Environment 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...

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of...

Certificates, Sustainability and the Environment, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Caring for our World (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We are Part of a World-Wide Community. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills…

More Understanding Rules & The Law resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock Trials Classroom Pack

The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...

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, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

What is the Law?

Watch a read-aloud version of the book ‘What is the Law?’, in which a hedgehog called Snippet finds out about the law. The book has been separated into four chapters…

More KS1 (ages 5-7) resources

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Treating People Fairly (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Treat Everyone Fairly. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills and…

Class Posters, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Explore the World Around Us (poster)

We are open to new ideas and are always curious.  To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

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

Caring for Pets

This lesson starts with a simple story that helps children to explore what responsibilities come with owning a pet. Children then go on to look at what happens when pets…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

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

The G7 (Assembly Pack)

During this assembly pupils explore the history and function of the G7 and are introduced to the sort of discussions held at the annual G7 Summit. They learn about the…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 5-11)

Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.

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

Protecting Local Habitats (KS2)

In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of habitats and explore endangered British species and the threats to their habitat. Pupils will be guided through ways in which…

More KS3 (ages 11-14) 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...

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

Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2025/26: Preparation Resources (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)

School Guide – This guide contains all of the information to support the lead teacher and support teachers in preparing for the competition. Student Guides – Each student guide contains an…

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

What is a Political Party?

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

More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources

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

Fake News: The Evolution of Media

In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock G7 Pack

The UK hosted the G7 Summit in June 2021. Young Citizens wants to engage young people across the UK...

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

What is Media Bias?

During this lesson students explore what bias within the media is and how it differs from fake news. They...

More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Mock Trials Classroom Pack

The Mock Trial Competitions are our longest-running active citizenship experiences. Since 1991, we have provided unparalleled exposure to the...

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, 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…