Lesson Title: The Obesity Crisis – Food Choices, Labelling and Lifestyle (PSHE / Health Education)
This eye-opening KS3/KS4 PSHE lesson explores the causes and consequences of the UK’s obesity crisis, using Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s campaign and food industry case studies. Students examine hidden sugars, traffic light labelling, portion control, and marketing influence, and are encouraged to reflect on personal lifestyle habits.
Lesson Aims:
Understand what obesity is and why it’s a growing public health crisis in the UK
Explore how food marketing, portion sizes, and hidden sugars contribute to weight gain
Learn how to use the “traffic light” food labelling system to make informed food choices
Evaluate cereal brands and the ethical responsibilities of food manufacturers
Discuss the role of vegetables, diet variety, and the decline in healthy food promotion
Reflect on personal eating habits and simple changes to improve diet and activity levels
Create a school campaign poster to promote healthy eating using key learning points
Perfect for PSHE, Food Technology, or Health Education. Encourages responsible consumer choices, nutrition awareness, and healthy lifestyle planning.
Lesson Title: Stereotypes – Challenging Assumptions and Understanding Harm (PSHE / Citizenship / Equality Education)
This engaging KS3/KS4 PSHE lesson explores how stereotypes form, how they lead to prejudice and discrimination, and how they affect different groups in society. Through riddle-solving, discussion tasks, scenario-based reflection, and a Guardian-style article activity, students challenge their own assumptions and learn to think critically and compassionately.
Lesson Aims:
Define key terms: stereotype, prejudice, discrimination
Explore how stereotypes form through media, upbringing, ignorance, and scapegoating
Understand the link between assumptions and real-world harm to individuals or groups
Examine the difference between fairness and equality using visual metaphors
Identify what people can and cannot control (e.g. religion, accent, appearance)
Reflect on how stereotyping affects reputation, self-worth, and inclusion
Write a persuasive response to challenge real-world examples of harmful stereotypes
Suggest practical ways to reduce prejudice and challenge bias in daily life
Perfect for PSHE, Citizenship, or tutor time. Supports SMSC, British Values, and inclusive education.
Lesson Title: Apprenticeships – An Alternative Route to Success (Careers / PSHE)
This informative KS4 lesson introduces students to the world of apprenticeships as a valuable post-16 option. Using real-life examples, salary comparisons, and role descriptions, students explore how apprenticeships combine paid work with formal qualifications. The lesson encourages reflection on different pathways and challenges stereotypes about vocational training.
Lesson Aims:
Understand what an apprenticeship is and how it works
Identify the different levels of apprenticeships (from GCSE to Degree)
Compare apprenticeships with other post-16 routes (college, sixth form, university)
Discover key benefits such as earning while learning, gaining qualifications, and career progression
Explore wage expectations and employment rights for apprentices
Learn about off-the-job training and statutory requirements
Create an informative leaflet to promote apprenticeship awareness among peers
Ideal for Careers education, PSHE, or Post-16 options guidance. Engaging and accessible for Year 10/11 students making future pathway decisions.
Lesson Title: Finance – What is Disposable Income? (PSHE / Financial Education)
This interactive and practical KS4 PSHE lesson introduces students to the concept of disposable income and how everyday financial choices affect money management. Using relatable case studies and budgeting tasks, students learn the importance of balancing income, outgoings, and saving decisions in real-life scenarios.
Lesson Aims:
Define disposable income and understand how it is calculated
Identify sources of income and common outgoings (e.g. rent, bills, taxes)
Explore the difference between gross pay and net pay using example payslips
Discuss the impact of financial decisions on future budgeting
Evaluate when to spend, borrow, or save in realistic case study situations
Understand the role of tax, student loans, and other deductions
Apply knowledge to personal finance scenarios using basic calculations
Perfect for KS4 PSHE, Citizenship, or Careers education. Supports financial literacy, independent living skills, and future planning.
Lesson Title: Preparing for Interviews – Making a Positive First Impression (PSHE / Careers Education)
This interactive KS3/KS4 PSHE/Careers lesson equips students with the skills and confidence to succeed in interviews. Through retrieval tasks, model answers, role play, and reflection, students learn how to present themselves well, respond to common questions using the STAR technique, and avoid common interview mistakes.
Lesson Aims:
Understand what employers are looking for in an interview
Identify key qualities for success: confidence, communication, dependability, preparation
Learn how to make a strong first impression (appearance, attitude, body language)
Practise answering situational and strength-based interview questions using the STAR method
Analyse model answers and create personalised responses
Explore different types of interviews and what to expect
Role-play both poor and strong interview performances to build awareness
Reflect on how to improve and prepare for future real-life interviews
Perfect for PSHE, Careers, or Work-Readiness programs. Supports Gatsby Benchmark 3 & 7 (Encounters with employers and further education).
Lesson Title: Racism – The Impact of High Profile Cases on Attitudes in the UK (History / PSHE / Citizenship)
This thought-provoking KS4 lesson explores the historical and modern realities of racism, using powerful real-life cases like Stephen Lawrence, Emmett Till, Rosa Parks, and Johnny Delaney. Students reflect on the origins of racist beliefs, the role of genetics and science in disproving race myths, and whether high-profile cases have led to meaningful change in the UK.
Lesson Aims:
Define racism and explore how racist ideas developed and were challenged
Understand key concepts: prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, asylum seekers, ableism
Examine historical and modern examples of racial injustice (e.g. Holocaust, Stephen Lawrence, Emmett Till)
Analyse the impact of high-profile cases on public opinion and civil rights movements
Evaluate whether racist attitudes have diminished in the UK due to these events
Reflect on the role of media, public protests, and education in fighting racism
Develop empathy and critical thinking through debate, case analysis, and extended writing
Compare racism with other forms of discrimination such as ableism, sexism, and homophobia
Perfect for PSHE, History, Citizenship or Equality & Diversity lessons. Supports SMSC, British Values, and anti-racism education.
Lesson Title: Sugar vs Fat – Understanding Nutrition, Cravings and Healthy Choices (PSHE / Health Education)
This informative KS3/KS4 Healthy Lifestyles lesson explores the science behind sugar and fat cravings, the short- and long-term health effects of overconsumption, and how to interpret food labels and make healthier decisions. Through practical comparisons, data analysis and evolutionary science insights, students are encouraged to think critically about their diets.
Lesson Aims:
Explore which has a greater health impact: sugar or fat
Understand the evolutionary reasons humans crave sugar and fatty foods
Learn about the effects of sugar on the brain and dopamine reward system
Examine “hidden sugars” in common foods and recognise misleading packaging
Compare daily recommended intakes of sugar and fat for different age groups
Understand the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats
Use real food examples to calculate fat and sugar content in meals and snacks
Discuss how to reduce intake of unhealthy foods and make healthier swaps
Reflect on the term “Bliss Point” and how food companies design addictive products
Perfect for PSHE, Food Tech, or Health Education. Supports informed eating habits, media literacy, and physical wellbeing.
Lesson Title: Online Gambling – How Gaming Can Lead to Gambling Risks (PSHE / Digital Literacy / Safeguarding)
This eye-opening KS3/KS4 PSHE lesson explores the blurred line between online gaming and gambling. Students examine how loot boxes, in-app purchases, and skin betting can create addictive behaviours and financial risk. The lesson covers gambling addiction, age restrictions, and how to protect yourself and others from online exploitation.
Lesson Aims:
Understand the difference between gaming and gambling
Explore how in-app purchases and loot boxes simulate gambling behaviour
Learn about “skin betting” and virtual currencies used on external gambling sites
Discuss age restrictions, PEGI ratings, and how they aim to protect young users
Reflect on the risks of addiction and how dopamine and reward systems influence behaviour
Develop strategies to avoid overspending or engaging in gambling through games
Consider who is most vulnerable to gambling addiction and why
Know where to seek help or advice for gaming or gambling concerns
Perfect for PSHE, Computing, or tutor time. Supports 51şÚÁĎ, financial literacy, and responsible digital use.
Lesson Title: Social Media – Exploring the Benefits and Dangers of Online Life (PSHE / Digital Wellbeing)
This highly relevant KS3/KS4 PSHE lesson helps students explore how social media affects mental health, relationships, self-esteem, and decision-making. Through case studies, app analysis, employer screening examples, and reflective tasks, learners consider the pros and cons of social media and how to develop healthier digital habits.
Lesson Aims:
Identify popular social media platforms and what they’re used for
Explore how social media can become unhealthy (e.g. validation seeking, addiction, cyberbullying)
Understand how social media can positively connect people and support wellbeing
Recognise the dangers of viral trends, filters, and unrealistic comparisons
Analyse the consequences of oversharing and inappropriate posts on future careers
Reflect on real-life cases where social media affected safety, reputation, and mental health
Develop a list of personal rules for responsible social media use
Consider healthy alternatives and hobbies to reduce screen time
Perfect for PSHE, Digital Citizenship, or Online Safety weeks. Supports mental health education, 51şÚÁĎ, and media literacy.
Lesson Title:
Buddhism: Life After Death – Samsara, Enlightenment and Nirvana (GCSE Religious Studies)
Description:
This comprehensive and thought-provoking KS3 or GCSE RE lesson explores Buddhist beliefs about life after death. Students examine key concepts such as samsara, karma, enlightenment and nirvana through engaging retrieval tasks, video reflection, and creative activities like storyboarding the life of Siddhartha Gautama.
Lesson Aims:
Understand the life of the Buddha and the significance of his enlightenment
Define samsara, karma and nirvana in the context of Buddhist belief
Explore how the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path guide Buddhists toward enlightenment
Examine how desire and attachment cause suffering
Reflect on the quote “The root of suffering is attachment and desire”
Compare Buddhist beliefs about the afterlife with those from Hinduism, Christianity and Islam
Analyse why Buddhists aim to escape the cycle of rebirth and reach Nirvana
Evaluate the challenges of following the Eightfold Path in modern life
Practise skills through quizzes, ranking tasks, quote analysis and discussion
Perfect for lessons on life after death, Buddhist beliefs, or interfaith comparisons. Suitable for GCSE Religious Studies (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) and KS3 RE programmes.
Lesson Title: Body Image – Boys (PSHE / Healthy Lifestyles)
This sensitive and informative KS3/KS4 PSHE lesson explores the pressures boys face around body image in today’s media-driven society. It tackles the influence of social media, peers, and advertising while promoting positive mental health, body confidence, and critical thinking around gym culture, steroids, and disordered eating.
Lesson Aims:
Understand what body image is and how it affects boys
Identify the role of media, peers, and celebrities in shaping male body expectations
Explore the risks associated with steroids, over-exercising, and skipping meals
Reflect on the signs of body image struggles in oneself or others
Encourage open conversation and awareness around male mental health
Learn safe and realistic approaches to fitness and body goals
Promote self-care, support-seeking, and body positivity
Ideal for PSHE or health education, this lesson supports wellbeing, resilience, and self-esteem development among teenage boys.
Lesson Title: Radicalisation – How the Internet is Used to Influence and Exploit (PSHE / Citizenship / Safeguarding)
This essential KS4 PSHE or Citizenship lesson explores how young people can be groomed and radicalised online by extremist groups. Using case studies, keywords, Prevent strategy guidance, and political ideology mapping, students develop the skills to recognise extremist tactics and understand how to stay safe and seek help.
Lesson Aims:
Define radicalisation and extremism in a social, political, and religious context
Identify how the internet, social media, and gaming platforms are used to groom young people
Explore how extremists use propaganda, manipulation, and identity politics
Learn the 4 stages of radicalisation (Pre-radical > Indoctrination > Self-Identify > Terrorism)
Understand the role of grooming in building trust and gaining influence
Analyse examples of extremist groups (ISIS, KKK, IRA, Neo-Nazis) and tactics used
Evaluate how misinformation and polarising narratives spread online
Understand the UK government’s Prevent Strategy and how it helps protect individuals from radicalisation
Develop critical thinking skills to question messages and online contact from strangers
Perfect for PSHE, RSE, Citizenship, or online safety units. Supports 51şÚÁĎ, British values, and resilience against extremism.
Lesson Title: Sexual Orientation – Understanding Identity and Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community (PSHE / RSE / Equality Education)
This inclusive and powerful KS4 PSHE lesson explores sexual orientation, transphobia, and the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ people. Through guided discussion, keyword matching, real-life stories (e.g. Ryan’s experience), and reflective activities, students build empathy and awareness around discrimination and how to be allies.
Lesson Aims:
Define key terms: heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, queer
Recognise the different types of negative behaviour LGBTQ+ individuals may face
Explore the causes of prejudice, including lack of understanding and cultural attitudes
Understand the emotional, physical, and social effects of discrimination
Reflect on real-life consequences of homophobic bullying (e.g. Ryan’s story)
Discuss the dangers of homophobic and transphobic language—even when used casually
Identify practical ways to support LGBTQ+ friends and challenge hate behaviour
Promote inclusive attitudes through empathy-building and structured reflection
Note: Includes mature and sensitive content (e.g. bullying, mental health, and suicide mention). Teacher discretion advised.
Perfect for PSHE, RSE, or Equality & Diversity education. Supports statutory RSE, 51şÚÁĎ, and anti-bullying strategies.