Week Commencing: 7^th June 2021

Focus Question: How important is the role of farmers?

News Story: The government is trying to encourage greener farming methods and believes that the next generation of farmers will be best equipped to make these changes. The government hopes younger farmers will be more open to new nature-friendly farming ideas and would be more likely to set up other businesses such as campsites to diversify how farmland is utilised. It also wants to encourage sustainable approaches to farming which can help get the best out of the farm at the same time as caring for the environment.

British Value: Individual Liberty - There are lots of different jobs that we can choose to do when we leave school. The types of jobs people do might change over time. Sometimes employees, like older farmers, are offered money to persuade them to find a different job. Older farmers can choose to stay in the job or take the money and leave farming.

Week Commencing: 24^th May 2021

Focus Question: Is there a place for sensory toys in the classroom?

News Story: The newest toy craze sweeping schools called Pop-Its has replaced the fidget spinner as the must-have item in the hands of both young and old. TikTok exposure is behind their rapid popularity increase, with the hashtag '#popit' gaining over two and a half billion views! Pop-Its are the newest sensory fidget toy where users repeatedly pop dimples in and out in the same way you may pop bubble wrap. Pop-It style toys were originally created to be used as a stress-reliever to help some children concentrate in school. But in some schools, they have been thought of as a classroom distraction.

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - Everyone’s sensory needs are different. Some people may need sensory toys to help them when they are anxious, but other people may not. Every person needs to be treated as an individual.

Week Commencing: 17^th May 2021

Focus Question: Does music have the power to change our behaviour?

News Story: Sing2G7, an ambitious project aiming to give children a voice ahead of the upcoming G7 Summit, have recorded a song at Truro cathedral. The song, titled Gee Seven has been written by Sir Tim Rice and composed by Peter Hobbs, aims to put children’s voices at the heart of the upcoming summit which opens in Cornwall on 11th June. The G7 (or Group of Seven) is an organisation made up of seven of the biggest economies, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. The group considers itself as "a community of values".

British Value: Democracy - People sometimes sing songs to make their voices heard or to encourage others to think about an important issue such as climate change.

Week Commencing: 10^th May 2021

Focus Question: What role does sport play in our lives?

News Story: Within days of the announcement of a new football Super League competition - open to only the biggest clubs, most of the teams had withdrawn, deciding they no longer wanted to take part. Fans, football authorities and government ministers in the UK, and across Europe, expressed anger at what they said would be an unfair competition that would keep many teams out of top European football.

British Value: Individual Liberty - In sport, we can decide whether we want to take part in teams and competitions or not. If we do, it is important to consider the effect our decisions will have on the other participants.

Week Commencing: 3^rd May 2021

Focus Question: Is it always wrong to copy others?

News Story: The retailer Marks and Spencer (M&S) has begun legal action against supermarket Aldi, arguing the supermarket's Cuthbert the Caterpillar cake infringes its Colin the Caterpillar trademark. M&S claim that their similarity leads consumers to believe they are of the same standard and "rides on the coat-tails" of M&S's reputation. M&S wants Aldi to remove the product from sale and agree not to sell anything similar in the future.

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - It is important to respect other people’s feelings and check if it’s OK before we copy someone. Some people may not mind if we copy what they do or say, but others may get upset.

Week Commencing: 26^th April 2021

Focus Question: Should all schools have a library?

News Story: Children's Laureate, Cressida Cowell, has written a letter asking the prime minister to allocate £100m a year to help school libraries. The writer said she wanted "something hopeful to come out of the darkness of the pandemic. If you want to level up, libraries have to be a key part of that." She had said she would like funding to be guaranteed in particular for primary school libraries in the way that it is for other areas such as sport. The letter has also been signed by former Children's Laureates including Michael Rosen, Quentin Blake and Jacqueline Wilson.

British Value: Democracy - We can get lost in a book in a school library! Reading for pleasure can help us become better citizens, even helping us decide how to vote.

Week Commencing: 19^th April 2021

Focus Question: Should we be allowed to fly flags anywhere?

News Story: The Union Jack will be flown on UK Government buildings every day of the year under plans to celebrate the United Kingdom’s heritage and pride. Ministers are set to issue new guidance this week to get the world-famous flag displayed all year round – not just on designated days. Under current guidance, the flag is only required to be flown on all UK Government buildings in England, Wales and Scotland on special days, such as the Queen’s birthday.

British Value: Rule of Law - The Union flag is the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. From this Summer, the Union flag must be flown every day on UK government buildings as a symbol of UK’s national unity and pride.

Week Commencing: 12th April 2021

Focus Question: Should everyone volunteer in their spare time?

News Story: The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) has recently marked one year since the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme launched. More than 1 million volunteers signed up, when the public were encouraged to help the health services as it dealt with the increased demand due to the pandemic.

British Value: Mutual Respect - We can choose to volunteer or raise funds. This might be at our school or in the community. Volunteering can benefit others and can also make us happy.

Week Commencing: 22nd March 2021

Focus Question: Why do we need a census?

News Story: Sunday 21st March is census day in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The survey provides a glimpse of life, which can be used by organisations to help make sure they provide the right services for people. The 2021 census in particular, will help us understand how coronavirus has affected everything from our health to our finances. Due to the pandemic, Scotland have decided to hold their census next year.

British Value: Rule of Law - By law, each family must complete the census. The Government will use the information we provide to think about how to make services better for us in the future.

Week Commencing: 15^th March 2021

Focus Question: How far should you go to stand up for what you believe in?

News Story: A group of rebellion protesters in Euston Square Gardens, who built a 100ft (30m) tunnel under the gardens to protest against the HS2 high-speed railway line, have all now been evicted. They are campaigning against the development, which plans to improve transport links between parts of the north of England and London. The issue the protesters have, is that the planned route runs through areas of ancient woodlands and wildlife habitats.

British Value: Rule of Law - Some people do not agree with where HS2 will be built and have decided to take action. If people break the law when they protest, there can often be a consequence.

Week Commencing: 8^th March 2021

Focus Question: Could you imagine living on another planet?

News Story: Last month, Nasa’s £1.9 billion rover mission successfully landed on Mars after its seven-month, 290-million-mile journey from Earth. The rover, named Perseverance is packed with ground- breaking technology. The mission marks an ambitious first step in the effort to collect samples from Mars and return them to Earth. It is thought that life forms from Earth could temporarily survive a Mars-like atmosphere.

British Value: Democracy - If the rover Perseverance discovers that life existed on Mars long ago and that living on other planets may be possible, we can talk about whether we think this would be a good thing to do in the distant future.

Week Commencing: 1^st March 2021

Focus Question: Should we choose products based on their packaging?

News Story: The Coca-Cola company is testing a new paper bottle as part of a long-term strategy to remove plastic from its packaging. The sample bottle is made by a Danish company from an extra-strong paper shell that still contains a thin plastic liner. The overall ambition is to create a 100% recyclable, plastic-free bottle capable of preventing gas escaping from carbonated drinks.

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - We have a choice as to whether we buy drink bottles with recyclable packaging. Which drink we choose will have an effect on the amount of packaging that can be recycled and the amount that goes into landfill.

Week Commencing: 22^nd February 2021

Focus Question: Do walls divide us or protect us?

News Story: Egyptian authorities have recently completed a 22-mile (36km) wall around the tourist resort of Sharm El-Sheikh. Anyone entering the city by road will now have to pass through one of four gates equipped with cameras and scanners. The government believe it will help protect tourism at the Red Sea resort, which has faced many challenges over the past 10 years meaning fewer holiday- makers have been visiting the resort. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - Sometimes people make decisions on our behalf, such as building a wall to protect us. If we think that this decision affects our freedoms, we have the right to speak out about it. 

Week Commencing: 8th February 2021

Focus Question: How important is it to plant more trees?

News Story: Tree planting is a good solution to tackle climate change and protect biodiversity but planting trees in the wrong place can do more harm than good experts at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew have explained. Scientists have outlined 10 rules for tree-planting, which they say must be a top priority for all nations this decade.

British Value: Rule of Law - When experts discover better ways of protecting our environment, such as planting certain types of trees, the government can consider a change in the law so that planting trees correctly becomes everyone’s responsibility.

Week Commencing: 25^th January 2021

Focus Question: What makes a good leader?

News Story: On 20th January, Joe Biden became the 46th President of the United States, taking over from his predecessor, Donald Trump. The inauguration ceremony took place last week, marking the start of the new president's time in charge. Usually, the outgoing president attends to welcome in the next president, but this year Mr Trump did not attend the event. In the oath taken at the ceremony, Joe Biden promised to the American people to do his best to protect the country and do a good job of being their leader.

British Value: Democracy - Many countries hold votes to allow people the choice to decide who will become their leader. When a leader of a democracy is elected, he or she agrees to listen to the opinions of the people.

Week Commencing: 18^th January 2021

Focus Question: How can we show our thanks to those who help us?

News Story:  The celebration for NHS staff, formally known as ‘Clap for Carers’, returned under the new name of ‘Clap for Heroes’ on the 7th of January, announced by the initiative's founder, Annemarie Plas. The weekly applause for front-line NHS staff and other key workers ran for 10 weeks during the UK's first coronavirus lockdown last spring. This time the initiative is celebrating not just NHS and key workers but also extends to home-schooling parents, those who are shielding and all who are pushing through this period.

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - Every individual has their own idea about how to say thank you to others. I respect the fact that their ideas may not be the same as mine.

Week Commencing: 11^th January 2021

Focus Question: How do soldiers help us in times of need?

News Story:  Armies in the UK and all over the world have played a key part in supporting governments and helping in many ways throughout the pandemic and it’s likely that their role will continue in 2021. In early autumn, the military helped to organise mass testing in Liverpool. In December, 1,100 military personnel were sent to help thousands of lorry drivers spending Christmas Day stranded at Dover. Most recently, the Army have been helping secondary schools and colleges in England to set up mass coronavirus testing for their pupils.

British Value: Individual Liberty - The armed forces help us to exercise our rights and freedoms as citizens by protecting the UK. They can also provide help in times of crisis, such as testing, supplying food and clothing or keeping our homes safe.

Week Commencing: 4^th January 2021

Focus Question: Should anyone be allowed to buy a pet?

News Story:  It is thought that thousands of pets were 'panic bought' at the start of the first lockdown. The Battersea Dogs and Cats Home charity have warned that the number of dogs abandoned over the next five years could increase by 27%. The charity, which re-homes animals in London and the surrounding area, surveyed 2,000 dog and cat owners who acquired a new pet during the national lockdown. It found 31% had done so despite not having considered getting a dog or cat before.

British Value: Individual Liberty - If we make the choice to own a pet, we know that we have a responsibility to take care of all its needs.

Week Commencing: 14th December 2020

Focus Question: How can we show we care from afar?

News Story:  This year’s John Lewis Christmas advert revolves around a theme inspired by the kindness of the British public during the coronavirus pandemic. The famous shop chain said it considered not producing an advert over concerns it may not be appropriate this year, but charity partners persuaded them to go ahead. The advert features people delivering food to an elderly couple and a man extending a Christmas cracker all the way to his lonely neighbour's house so they can maintain social distancing.

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - We can show kindness in many ways, like giving a hug or smiling at someone. When someone is far away, we can write a letter or send flowers to show we care. All acts of kindness, no matter how small they seem, will have a positive effect on those around us!

Week Commencing: 7^th December 2020

Focus Question: How can we keep our memories alive?

News Story: Two notebooks thought to be worth millions of pounds, belonging to the scientist Charles Darwin, have been reported stolen from Cambridge University Library 20 years after they were last seen. One of them contains Darwin's famous 1837 Tree of Life sketch in which he explored the historical evolution of species.

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - People can have very different views about preserving ancient heritage sites. We can discuss the issue in a calm way and show respect for others even when we disagree with them.

Week Commencing: 30^th November 2020

Focus Question: Should a tunnel be allowed to be built near Stonehenge?

News Story:  Plans to dig a road tunnel, near the ancient monument site of Stonehenge in Salisbury, have been approved by the Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps. A two-mile tunnel out of sight of the monument will be built even though it went against the recommendations of planning officials. It is estimated that the tunnel will cost £1.7 billion to create.

British Value: Democracy - People can have very different views about preserving ancient heritage sites. We can discuss the issue in a calm way and show respect for others even when we disagree with them.

Week Commencing: 23^rd November 2020

Focus Question: Should we always be treated the same?

News Story: Boys’ elite football academies for under-16s have been allowed to continue during England's four- week Lockdown but girls' equivalent regional training centres have been stopped. An online petition, started by 9-year-old female footballer Ellie Duffy, asked the Football Association (FA) to allow under 9s to under 16s girls' football academies to continue during Lockdown. Ellie's petition calls for the same opportunities for girls as boys during periods of Lockdown.

British Value: Mutual Respect - There may be times when we don’t feel we are being fairly treated or given the same opportunities. In these times, we can use our voices to speak and let others know how we feel.

Week Commencing: 16^th November 2020

Focus Question: What are the best ways for us to keep active?

News Story:  Personal trainer, Joe Wicks announced on social media that he will be returning to recording his exercise class - Wake Up With Joe. Joe says he wants to help us to get a bit more exercise in our lives. Apart from keeping our bodies healthy, experts say that working out promotes positivity and good mental health. The sessions started on Monday November 9th and are running each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6am on his YouTube channel.

British Value: Individual Liberty - I can choose to keep active on my own or as part of a team, through a hobby or in my daily routines. I understand that keeping active will help me to stay healthy.

Week Commencing: 9^th November 2020

Focus Question: Should we repurpose unused cruise ships?

News Story:  Cruise ships around the world have found themselves docked and empty due to current travel restrictions. One former cruise ship captain, Paul Derham, has been using his ferry to organise tours to sail around some of the docked cruise ships in Dorset. Each of the cruise ships still have around 80-100 crew on board to ensure they remain safe at anchor. Some of the unused cruise ships have offered to work as ‘floating hospitals’ whilst they are unable to travel.

British Value: Mutual Respect - Situations and circumstances around the world are always changing. Sometimes how we use certain things will change too. We should always try to think about different ways to use these things so that they do not go to waste.

Week Commencing: 2^nd November 2020

Focus Question: Do famous people have a responsibility to use their voice to help others?

News Story: England footballer, Marcus Rashford has said “I could not be more proud to call myself British” after many authorities went against the Government’s refusal to fund meals over the recent half- term break for many children. The 23-year-old said he is “truly overwhelmed” by the support his campaign has received after Parliament rejected proposals to provide free meals to children during the school holidays.

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - We all have different family circumstances; some people need more support than others. Famous people sometimes use their position to encourage us to respect this and reach out to families to do what we can to help.

Week Commencing: 19^th October 2020

Focus Question: Is selling red noses a good way to save money?

News Story:  Comic Relief has announced that from 2021 its red noses will be plastic-free for the first time. The new noses will be made from bagasse, a natural by-product of sugar cane, and take more than 18 months to create! The charity, which “strives to create a just world free from poverty”, made the change after it received letters and emails from the children of Fourlanesend Community Primary School asking them to create a plastic-free version of the nose to help reduce plastic waste.

British Value: Democracy - We live in a country where we can express our opinions freely. If there is an issue that is important to us, such as making red noses out of something other than single use plastic, we have a voice to make a change.

Week Commencing: 12^th October 2020

Focus Question: Is it the responsibility of the young to protect the planet?

News Story:  Sir David Attenborough has celebrated the efforts of young people who have “woken up the world to the threat of climate change.” Sir David became the fastest person to have one million followers on Instagram recently after he joined the social media platform to reach out to younger people, many of whom support his message of protecting the natural world.

British Value: Mutual Respect - If I try to do what I can to protect our amazing planet, it will create a better world for everyone to live in.

Week Commencing: 5^th October 2020

Focus Question: Should you always try to win?

News Story: A Spanish triathlete has received praise from all around the world for letting his opponent win third place in a race after he took a wrong turn. Diego Mentriga allowed Britain’s James Teagle to finish ahead of him in the Santander Triathlon, after he made the wrong turn towards spectators less than 100 metres from the finish line. Teagle threw his hands in the air in agony as Mentriga overtook him. Realising his opponent’s error, the 21-year-old slowed down and stopped short of the finish line. Teagle finished third by a fraction of a second.

British Value: Individual Liberty - In life there are many different kinds of races. We may win some, we may lose some but all of them take courage and determination to ensure we try our best.

Week Commencing: 28^th September 2020

Focus Question: Should you always report those who aren’t following rules?

News Story: It has been announced by Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, that Covid marshals will be introduced in towns and city centres, in parts of the UK, to help ensure social distancing rules are followed. He believes that the public want to see ‘stronger enforcement’ of the rules. The government said marshals can either be volunteers or existing members of council staff from local governments.

British Value: Rule of Law - There are many new rules and laws that have been introduced to keep us safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. It’s important to understand why these rules have been made and how they help us.

Week Commencing: 21^st September 2020

Focus Question: Should visits to care homes be allowed?

News Story: A charity is seeking a review of the government guidance on care home visits. John's Campaign says many care homes in England are still refusing regular face-to-face visits, despite changes at the end of July that outlined new guidance for visitors.

British Value: Rule of Law - Visits to care homes are currently only allowed if certain rules are followed. Rules are often used to help keep us all safe.

Week Commencing: 14^th September 2020

Focus Question: How can we help those without a home?

News Story: A number of charities, including Streets Kitchen and the Glass Door Homeless Charity, are campaigning for empty commercial buildings to become makeshift shelters this winter. They are predicting that there will be an increase in the number of people who become homeless over the coming weeks and months due to increases in job losses caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

British Value: Mutual Respect - We all have different living arrangements, with some people not having a home at all. There are many reasons for the different circumstances in which people live; it is important to show equal respect to all.

Week Commencing: 7^th September 2020

Focus Question: Should we always stand up for our communities?

News Story:  A tribe in Brazil have chosen to block a highway that cuts through the Amazon as the Brazilian government is not complying with a list of demands that includes aid to help with the impact of COVID-19. Protesters from the Kayapo group have been blocking traffic on Brazil's BR-163 highway for nearly a week.

British Value:  Democracy - Often, when we stand up or ask for help as a group or community, our collective voices can be more powerful than as an individual.

Week Commencing: 31^st August 2020

Focus Question: Should there be more toys reflecting our differences?

News Story: A mother, who has recently set up a not-for-profit company to provide toys for children with disabilities, has been told her toys are empowering for children by one of her customers. Bright Ears founder Clare Tawell’s daughter, Matilda, was fitted with a hearing aid as a baby, but she didn't have a toy she could play with that reflected her disability. As Clare wasn't able to find any dolls on the market with a hearing aid, it gave her the idea to start a company adapting toys to represent different disabilities.

British Value: Mutual Respect - We are all unique and should respect and celebrate our own and others’ differences.

Week Commencing: 20^th July 2020

Focus Question: Do you think free vouchers are a good idea to help struggling shops and restaurants?

News Story:  One of the ideas proposed to the government to kick-start the struggling High Street was that households should be given vouchers worth hundreds of pounds. The suggested amount was £500 for each adult and £250 for each child to support firms hit the most by the coronavirus outbreak. Instead, the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak announced the new “Eat Out to Help Out” scheme, which will see households given vouchers to use when dining out. The vouchers will give households a 50% reduction, up to £10 per head, for meals taken on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout August.

British Value: Rule of Law - In these difficult times, the government are making lots of rules that both help to keep us safe and also to try to help businesses survive.

Week Commencing: 13^th July 2020

Focus Question: Are holidays important?

News Story: Since March 17th, people in the UK were only allowed to travel to other countries if the journey was essential. Anyone who returned to the UK was also required to self-isolate at home for 14 days. A new traffic light system, recently launched, means countries have been given a green, amber or red light depending on the number of coronavirus cases there, allowing people to potentially have a summer holiday this year. All passengers have to wear face coverings on planes and ferries.

British Value: Individual Liberty - Holidays can be an opportunity for rest and reflection for some, but for others having time to relax at home is preferred. It is important to respect those who are different from us.

Week Commencing: 6^th July 2020

Focus Question: How important are first impressions?

News Story:  A red, white and blue paint job on the Prime Minister's plane has recently been revealed. The RAF Voyager is used by the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family for official visits around the world and was previously coloured grey. An official spokesperson for the government confirmed that the plane received its makeover in Cambridgeshire in the colours of the Union Jack at the cost of £900,000, taken from public funds.

British Value:  Mutual Respect - There may be times when we are judged, or opinions are formed based on our external appearance. It is important for us to think carefully about our own judgements and not to judge others solely on how they look.

Week Commencing: 29^th June 2020

Focus Question: Why do we have statues?

News Story:  Following protests campaigning for Black Lives Matter, demonstrators in Bristol pulled down a statue of a former slave trader, Edward Colston, and threw it into the harbour. It is likely that the statue will now be placed in a museum. Many other famous statues have been in question in other parts of the UK, with issues regarding what they represent and if they should be given prominent positions in towns and cities.

British Value:  Democracy - Peaceful protests can provide an opportunity for people to collectively voice concerns, often these protests can raise wider awareness and lead to positive change for all.

Week Commencing: 15^th June 2020

Focus Question: What does 'Black Lives Matter' mean?

News Story: There have been several nights of protests and violent clashes between police and protestors as demonstrations have swept across cities in the US and other cities around the world. The protests in Minneapolis began in reaction to the death of a man named George Floyd after he was stopped by police officers. The protests have now spread across the country to cities including New York, LA, Chicago and Philadelphia. While many protests have been peaceful, many places have seen rioting, looting and violence and President Trump has said he will call in the army if things aren't brought back under control.

British Value: Black Lives Matter and Blackout Tuesday are movements to both raise awareness and educate people about racial inequalities around the world. Racism is something we can all learn about and find out ways that we can support and promote equality for all.

Week Commencing: 8^th June 2020

Focus Question: How important is it to have a routine?

News Story: Since schools closed to most pupils two weeks before the Easter break, many young people have had to completely rehaul their usual routines. While there is a possibility that some primary school year groups in England may go back before the long summer holidays, this is unlikely to be the case in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and for most secondary aged pupils. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - Some of us like routines, we like structure and consistency, others like to be more spontaneous and find changes in our days exciting! 

Week Commencing: 1^st June 2020

Focus Question: Why do people choose the jobs they do?

News Story: The number of people seeking to start a career in the healthcare sector has risen during the pandemic, official figures reveal. Health leaders said the wish shown by thousands of people to help them to fight illness was “truly humbling”. The NHS Health Careers website has seen a 220% rise in people expressing an interest in becoming a nurse. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - There are many different jobs that we might decide to do! Some people choose a job because of their interests, others because they want to live in a certain place or because they want to work alongside family or friends. 

Week Commencing: 18^th May 2020

Focus Question: If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

News Story:  An Italian architect is planning a city of skyscrapers! Luca Curci said that he wanted to build four self-sufficient, interconnected towers with trees, wildlife and farms. He claimed that his buildings, for 200,000 people, would be the best way to tackle population growth, pollution and poverty. He says his project, The Link, could save the world and halt urban sprawl. He says, “We need a sustainable vision, my towers are designed to encourage a sense of community.” 

British Value: Respect - We all live in different homes in different communities. It’s important to show respect for the choices people make and the homes that they live in. 

Week Commencing: 11^th May 2020

Focus Question: Who does outer space belong to?

News Story: SpaceX founder, Elon Musk, has a dream of providing the whole world with high speed internet using satellites in the sky. Mr Musk recently announced on Twitter that the firm’s Starlink service will be available to certain locations in six months. The project aims to have the devices form a constellation around the planet from a distance of 200 miles to 700 miles above the surface and transmit data to stations and customers on the ground.

British Value: Democracy - Outer space does not belong to any one person or country, this was agreed by 109 countries in the Outer Space Treaty. No country can lay claim to the moon, asteroids or other celestial bodies, space is open to all. 

Week Commencing: 4^th May 2020

Focus Question: What makes some toys more popular than others?

News Story: The toy world is in the grip of a llama obsession as the woolly South American animals become the new industry sensation! At the American International Toy Fair in New York in February, there were llamas everywhere! Knitted, plush and sequinned, small and large; llamas on mobile phone cases and swimming pool floats, llama diaries, puzzles and even backpacks 

British Value: Individual Liberty - There are many types of toys for us to play with, some of them we will love, others not as much. We are all different and can decide for ourselves which we prefer! 

Week Commencing: 27^th April 2020

Focus Question: How can one person make a big difference?

News Story: 99-year-old British war veteran, Captain Tom Moore has completed 100 laps of his 25m back garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire! He has raised over £28 million for Britain's National Health Service (NHS) and has received donations to his fundraising challenge from all around the world! Captain Tom began raising funds to thank NHS staff who helped him with treatment for cancer and a broken hip, he originally aimed to raise just £1000 but quickly passed his target!

British Value: However small we think our actions are, we can all contribute to help make a positive difference to the world around us. At some point, to someone or something, our actions matter!

Week Commencing: 27^th April 2020

Focus Question: Are video games the next best thing to our real lives?

News Story: The World Health Organisation (WHO) have partnered with technology companies around the world campaigning to show how gaming can help fight coronavirus and 'save lives'. The WHO and computer game producers have come together to work on the #PlayApartTogether campaign, which aims to spread the importance of WHO guidelines, that will slow the spread of COVID-19, including staying inside, to the global audience of the gaming industry. 

British Value: Respect - The World Health Organisation have explained the importance of social distancing and staying inside as much as possible in current times. Playing computer games, either on our own or with family and friends in their own homes, is a good way to do this. 

Week Commencing: 20^th April 2020

Focus Question: Do you think people will travel less in the future?

News Story: New figures revealed on the 7th April by the Department of Transport show that only a very small proportion of people in the UK are still travelling during the lockdown period that the government have imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak. Visits to shops, museums and cafes in the UK have fallen by 85% since the coronavirus outbreak, according to data shared by Google. The government has supported Google in using data in this way. 

British Value: Rule of Law - Governments around the world are making new rules to reduce the amount we travel to help stop the spread of COVID-19. We can all play our part to help by following these rules. 

Week Commencing: 13^th April 2020

Focus Question: Are tests the best way to check our learning?

News Story: SATs, GCSEs and A-Level exams have all been cancelled across the UK. Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has said "exams will not take place as planned in May and June". Pupils whose exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic will be given grades estimated by their teachers, the government has said. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - It’s important that our teachers are able to check our learning. We may have different views on what we think about testing, but we should respect the opinions of those around us.

Week Commencing: 6^th April 2020

Focus Question: Whose job is it to protect animals in the wild?

News Story: There's good news coming from Africa. After huge conservation efforts, the number of critically endangered black rhinoceroses is slowly increasing, according to the latest figures released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The numbers show that the population has grown at a rate of 2.5% per year over the past six years. The species is still in danger; susceptible to poaching and a changing habitat due to the changing climate. Yet, the population growth provides hope that efforts put into saving the species are paying off. 

British Value: Respect - The world is full of interesting and exotic wildlife with whom we share our home. It’s important that we all look out for and protect our living neighbours, big and small! 

Week Commencing: 30^th March 2020

Focus Question: Can you think of ways to remain positive during difficult times?

News Story: Many countries across the world have been asked or have chosen to remain at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Thousands of Italians, in several cities, clapped from their windows and balconies as healthcare workers went to work, raising spirits with a flashmob, during the lockdown period (where most people remain at home). Families and neighbours also sang and crashed pots and pans together for the performers in cities across the country. 

British Value: Democracy - During times of uncertainty, we should voice any concerns and listen to the thoughts of others. We all have contributions to make. When times are hard, it’s important to all pull together.

Week Commencing: 23^rd March 2020

Focus Question: Do you think that space tourism is a good idea?

News Story: Virgin Galactic, owned by Sir Richard Branson, are one of the first companies intending to make space travel accessible to the public. The company have seen a big increase in the demand for the tickets for flights to space, the first of which will be taking place later this year. The company, who completed its first test flight in 2018, said it had received almost 8,000 registrations of interest for future commercial flights! 

British Value: Mutual Respect - For some, the idea of space travel would be a dream come true. For others, their worst nightmare. It’s important to respect and celebrate our differences! 

Week Commencing: 16^th March 2020

Focus Question: What would you find hard about starting again?

News Story: Turkey opened its borders for Syrian refugees to leave its territory for Europe at the end of February. So far hundreds of thousands have left Turkey. Many Syrians have fled their home country, following dangerous conditions and fighting due to the ongoing civil war there. Fife Council in Scotland has one of the highest rates of resettlement for Syrian refugees in the UK. During the increasingly unsettled situation in Syria, Fife are wanting to help more families and have said they will continue to welcome many more families this year. 

British Value: Mutual Respect - A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee their home due to a dangerous situation. Refugees have a right to protection under the UN 1951 Convention which includes the right to a safe place to live.  

Week Commencing: 9^th March 2020

Focus Question: Should we have a say in what we learn at school?

News Story: Joe Brindle, age 17 from Devizes School, is a founder member of Teach the Future. The group are recently formed and are taking their call for environment issues to be taught in schools as part of the curriculum to Parliament! Ministers have agreed that "it is vital that pupils are taught about climate change" but the group believe that schools are failing to prepare them for a climate emergency. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - If we feel strongly about something that affects us, there are different ways we can share our opinions with those who make decisions. Explaining our reasons can help bring about positive changes.

Week Commencing: 2^nd March 2020

Focus Question: How important is it to know the weather forecast?

News Story: A supercomputer is to be developed to support the Met Office in a huge project to improve weather forecasting. The new technology is to be funded by a £1.2 billion investment from the government and will be managed by the Met Office. It is expected the computer will be the most powerful forecasting system in the world and will be able to offer more precise weather and flood updates. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - The weather can be hard to predict and can cause disruption and even dangerous situations. It’s important to listen to advice and following weather warnings. 

Week Commencing: 24^th February 2020

Focus Question: Will emojis ever be as important as words?

News Story: The new batch of emojis to be released in 2020 has been revealed. They include a range of different facial expressions and some of the more random additions include a log, a mirror and a green pepper. One of the new emojis is called "pinched fingers" and depending on where you are in the world it could have a completely different meaning. Its official purpose, according to its creators, is to represent the way an Italian might ask "what do you want?". But it may have many different interpretations worldwide. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - Emojis are one way for us to express ourselves digitally. There are lots of ways we can communicate, it’s important to consider the best way to express ourselves in different situations. 

Week Commencing: 10^th February 2020

Focus Question: Should sportswear be banned if it gives an unfair advantage?

News Story: Nike Vaporfly trainers, which have revolutionised running allowing runners to break world marathon records, have been given the green light by World Athletics. In a long-awaited ruling the World Athletics, who are the sport’s governing body, confirmed that Nike Vaporflys, which cost £240 and can improve marathon times by one-to-two minutes in elite athletes, are legally allowable despite many in the sport accusing the shoes of providing a huge advantage for runners. 

British Value: Rule of Law - In sporting competitions, it’s important that things are fair for all competitors. The people in charge will check things like the clothes and shoes people wear, to make sure the event is equal for all.

Week Commencing: 3^rd February 2020

Focus Question: Who should decide what is best for our health?

News Story: A virus named the coronavirus has started to spread from China. Previously, it had never been seen in humans before and it is spreading more widely to different parts of the world. It's called a coronavirus because, under the microscope, it looks like lots of little crowns. It is thought the outbreak started in Wuhan, China. The virus is a respiratory virus, which means it can affect people's breathing and lungs. Like a cold, it can be spread by coughing and sneezing. Governments around the world are starting to take action to contain it. In the UK, the risk is considered low and people, who fly into airports here from affected areas, are being checked out. 

British Value: Rule of Law - There will be times when governments or other organisations will put restrictions or things in place to protect us from the spreading of diseases.

Week Commencing: 27^th January 2020

Focus Question: Should we celebrate the things that divide us?

News Story: The date that the UK are scheduled to leave the EU is the 31st January 2020. A group of MPs hoped to signify the historic occasion with the ringing of Big Ben at 11pm. As the Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben is currently under refurbishment, the estimated cost of ensuring the bells work, is £500,000. Meaning the cost of marking Brexit in this way would be just over £45,000 per bong (assuming the bell strikes 11 times). Big Ben has only rung on a few occasions since the refurbishment began in 2017. 

British Value: Democracy - When important decisions need to be reached, sometimes a big vote or referendum takes place, this gives everyone an opportunity to have a voice and share their opinion.

Week Commencing: 20^th January 2020

Focus Question: Can you ever trust what you view online?

News Story: Facebook has announced a new policy banning all artificial intelligence (AI) created videos that are likely to mislead viewers into thinking someone said words that they didn’t actually say. The new policy will mean that all videos that have been edited in ways that are likely to mislead someone into thinking that a person in a video said words that they didn’t really say, or, if people or objects are placed onto a video, making them appear to be real, will be removed from both Facebook and Instagram (which is owned by Facebook). 

British Value: Individual Liberty - When online, we may watch or read different information. It’s important for us to be aware that not everything we see is true. We must be sure to think carefully and check where the information has come from.

Week Commencing: 13^th January 2020

Focus Question: Can animals provide the same support to us as our friends?

News Story: Over the past 9 years, millions of people have fled their homes in Syria because of the ongoing war and conflict happening there. Many people left their homes and belongings behind, including their pets. Mohammad Aljaleel from the city of Aleppo is one of the few who have remained and looks after thousands of abandoned cats. The smaller Syrian town of Kafr Nabl, is now home to more cats than people. Humans and cats provide comfort to one another in hard times. Salah Jaar, another man who has remained in Syria to help look after the stray cats, finds them a huge help in what must be a difficult place to be. 

British Value: Respect - Some people choose to dedicate their lives to helping others. In Syria, a few people have remained in difficult conditions to help look after cats that have been left behind. 

Week Commencing: 6^th January 2020

Focus Question: Should children be allowed to make money from creating and sharing videos?

News Story: An eight-year-old boy who reviews toys and shares the videos online has topped a list of the highest-earning YouTube stars after making £19.8 million! Ryan Kaji, from Ryan ToysReview, made the money between June 2018 and June 2019. It is the second year in a row that he has topped the magazine Forbes’ list. Ryan’s family launched his main channel in 2015 when he was just three and has gone on to have his own line of toys, toothbrushes and other items. Ryan lives in Texas, USA with his parents and twin sisters. 

 British Value: Rule of Law - There are rules to follow to keep us safe online and to make sure we are responsible with the information we share with others. It’s important to take time to understand and make sure we follow these rules.

Week Commencing: 9^th December 2019

Focus Question: Should all children have free access to youth centres?

News Story: The number of youth centres supported by local councils has more than halved between 2011-2019, according to a Parliamentary Group. Ahead of the general election, Labour, the Conservatives and the Lib Dems parties have all pledged to invest in youth services if elected. Successful music entrepreneur Jamal Edwards, who helped to launch the careers of musicians including Ed Sheeran, puts his success down to the support he received from local youth centres. Edwards has recently set up Jamal Edwards Delve, a project aimed at refurbishing and reopening youth centres 

British Value: There may be lots to do where we live or there may not be. We all have a voice and if we would like to see more activities or have places to go, we can work together using our collective voice to support positive action!

Week Commencing: 2^nd December 2019

Focus Question: Should animals be used for our entertainment?

News Story: The popular TV show, ‘I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’ will no longer feature challenges including eating live bugs in the Bushtucker Trials for the first time in the show's history, following campaigns against animal cruelty. Explaining their decision, the producers have said, “No live critters will be eaten in the Bushtucker Trials this year.” Although live critters and animals will not be part of the eating tasks, viewers can still expect to see the contestants being covered in them as part of other trials. It comes as wildlife presenter, Chris Packham, has been campaigning for the series to end the use of animals. He's explained that he sends a letter of complaint to the programme every year. 

British Value: Just like people, animals have rights and there are laws in place to make sure they are not mistreated in any way. It’s important for us to support these laws to protect animals. 

Week Commencing: 25^th November 2019

Focus Question: How important is the size of our class?

News Story: Broadclyst Community Primary School in Exeter has an average class size of 42 and is home to one of the biggest primary aged classes in the UK with a Year 6 class of 63 pupils! The school is known for its forward-thinking approach and good use of technology. The large Year 6 class are taught in a modern lecture-theatre style room where each child has their own digital device as a learning aid. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - In school we are often organised into groups to support our learning. This means we need to think carefully about the words we use and how we act towards others in order to help make our classrooms happy and successful places! 

Week Commencing: 18^th November 2019

Focus Question: Whose responsibility is it to have clean air to breathe?

News Story: Schools in India's capital city of Delhi have had to close, because air pollution levels there have been dangerously high. They were closed for 4 days in most places and face masks were also handed out in schools due to the high levels of smog in the city. Health officials were asking people to stay indoors and not do any physical activity outside to avoid getting ill. Levels of dangerous particles in the air are at well over 10 times safe limits in the capital. City authorities have responded by limiting the number of cars on the roads. Supreme Court Justice Arun Mishra has said, "Delhi is choking every year and we are unable to do anything, the state is not acting...They are passing the buck to each other." 

British Value: Rule of Law - Delhi’s air pollution is so bad it has turned the city into a toxic gas chamber. It is important that strict rules and laws are put in place and followed to protect the millions of people who live there. 

Week Commencing: 11^th November 2019

Focus Question: Should the haka be allowed in sport?

News Story: During the Rugby World Cup, the England rugby team were fined £2,000 for crossing the halfway line on the pitch as they lined up before the semi-final whilst the New Zealand team were performing the haka (a traditional Māori war dance). World Rugby rules state that teams must remain within their own half of the pitch to receive the haka. However Welsh rugby writer, Stephen Jones, has called for the All Blacks to stop the haka altogether, saying it is a 'means of rank bullying on and off the field'. 

British Value: Mutual Respect - The haka is an important ritual for Māori people and is used by sports teams in New Zealand and other parts of the world. It is important to respect other cultures and also to be aware of the impact they may have. 

Week Commencing: 4^th November 2019

Focus Question: Would you change how our country is run?

News Story: The 2nd-8th November is UK Parliament week, a week to learn all about how Parliament works. In recent months, MPs who work in the House of Commons (part of Parliament) have received disapproval from some people who believe that the 650 MPs who make many of the key decisions in the running of the UK have not been working effectively together. Particularly with regards to Brexit, which has caused many issues between MPs with very few agreements being reached. 

British Value: Democracy - Everyone has different ideas about how they think the UK should be run. To make sure everyone can have a voice, adults vote to elect MPs to represent our opinions in Parliament.

Week Commencing: 21^st October 2019

Focus Question: Can the lottery improve people’s lives?

News Story: Someone in the UK won the full £170m EuroMillions jackpot, making them Britain's richest ever lottery winner. The prize will be paid out at a special ticket validation appointment. Though the lottery isn’t just about the winning ticket; for each lottery ticket bought, around 95% of the total income goes back to winners and society. To date, National Lottery players have helped to raise over £40 billion for community and charity work, with more than 565,000 individual awards made across the UK, which is the same as around 200 lottery grants in every UK postcode district! 

British Value: Respect- The National Lottery Community Fund has helped thousands of people improve and develop their communities. When people take part in the lottery, some of the money will support the community fund. 

Week Commencing: 14^th October 2019

Focus Question: Should we all be entitled to a private life?

News Story: The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is taking action against a newspaper after she claims it published a letter she wrote to her dad without her permission. Meghan's team has confirmed the action against the British paper, accusing it of a "campaign...to publish false stories about her". In a statement, Prince Harry said, "as a couple, we believe in media freedom and objective, truthful reporting" but that "to stand back and do nothing would be contrary to everything we believe in, put simply, it is bullying"

British Value: Rule of Law- It is a Human Right for us all to live our lives with respect for our privacy. Whether that be in our homes or in our interactions with others. This is true whoever we are 

Week Commencing: 7^th October 2019

Focus Question: Is it important for others to always know where we are?

News Story: What3words, an app which is able to provide an almost exact location for wherever you are in the world by using just 3 words, has caused division between those who think it can save lives to others who believe that one company shouldn’t know where we all are all the time. The app divides the world into three-metre squares and gives each one a unique three-word address in order for people to be easily found in emergencies, and to give the billions of people without a formal address access to one for the first time.

British Value: Individual Liberty - In emergencies, people need to be able to find us and technology can help locate us quickly. There may be other times when we don’t want everyone to know our location – it’s important to be in control of the information we share.

Week Commencing: 30^th September 2019

Focus Question: What is the best way to help those in need?

News Story: Some people have stopped donating to the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) charity after an article in an online newspaper stated how the charity spends £3.3m a year (a small amount of their total money) on projects in other parts of the world including in Africa and Bangladesh yet they have cut around 100 jobs in the United Kingdom, where it is based. The news has made others angry, those who believe that the charity helps people both locally and in other parts of the world. Their overseas projects include teaching children how to swim in Bangladesh. 

British Value: Mutual Respect- People may need our help and support for many different reasons. We can help people we know, people who live nearby or people who live in other parts of the world.

Week Commencing: 23^rd September 2019

Focus Question: Should First Aid be an adult’s responsibility?

News Story: Many charities have campaigned for the teaching of first aid in the UK and Ireland to become part of the school curriculum. Now, for pupils in England, first aid classes will be compulsory from September 2020 with schools in Wales, Scotland and Ireland expected to follow. First aid classes will be taught in primary and secondary schools. Primary schools will be taught basic skills such as how to call emergency services, whereas secondary schools will be taught life-saving skills such as how to help someone who is suffering a heart attack. 1,600 schools in England will take part in the new first aid lessons this year as part of a trial, before it becomes compulsory. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - In emergency situations, we may need to act quickly to help others. First aid training can help provide us with knowledge and understanding to make choices that could save lives.

Week Commencing: 16^th September 2019

Focus Question: How important is school uniform?

News Story: About 100 pupils and parents staged a protest outside a school in East Sussex at the start of the school year against its new school uniform policy. Police attended the demonstration outside Priory School in Lewes against a new policy instructing all pupils to wear trousers, banning skirts. Priory School have said the uniform was designed to be practical and to encourage students to focus on their schoolwork. 

British Value: Democracy - Schools have different rules for what their pupils wear. There may be times we feel rules aren’t fair to everyone. It is during these times that rules can be discussed, allowing us all to have a voice and share our opinions. 

Week Commencing: 9^th September 2019

Focus Question: Is it wrong to refuse help?

News Story: Fires have been burning across the world’s largest tropical forest, the Amazon Rainforest, for around 4-weeks. The French President, Emmanuel Macron, has called the fires an “international crisis” and along with 6 other countries, offered money to help put the fires out. The Brazilian President, Bolsonaro, refused this money. It has been reported that there have been 74,000 fires in the Amazon this year so far, a lot more than last year. It’s a worrying increase because the Amazon very rarely burns on its own as it is usually too wet to ignite, so most of the fires are caused by people. The Amazon Rainforest is important to the air we breathe and for turning the gas carbon dioxide into oxygen. The jungle is home to many different species of wildlife and plants, many of which are rare or endangered. 

British Value: Respect - The Earth’s rainforests contain more than half of the world’s plant and animal species! They also generate lots of the oxygen that we all need to survive. It’s important that they are respected by all of us, to make sure they are protected. 

Week Commencing: 2^nd September 2019

Focus Question: Are our actions more important than our words?

News Story: Environmental activist, Greta Thunberg, set sail from the UK, on a 2-week journey to attend the UN climate summits in New York and Chile. Fans gathered to wave her off on her voyage across the Atlantic. The 16- year-old made a speech ahead of departing from Plymouth on the Malizia II, a solar-powered racing yacht with underwater turbines. Greta said she was dedicated "to do everything I can" to tackle climate change which is a "very big problem". 

British Value: Individual Liberty - We make lots of choices every day. We make choices on the words we choose to say and on how we choose to act. Our choices will affect others around us so it’s important we think carefully about our words and actions. 

Week Commencing: 15^th July 2019

Focus Question: Is space exploration important to the world?

News Story: It has been 50 years since humankind first stepped foot on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 moon landing mission. The Apollo Program took eight years and cost around £20 billion! It is thought to have overcome one of the most complex challenges humanity has ever undertaken – putting a person on the Moon! There is now a new ‘space race’, with India, China and US all recently declaring interest in new plans to return to the moon. India’s Chandrayaan-2 probe plans to return almost 50 years to the day! 

British Value: Respect - It took billions of pounds and thousands of people many years to put people on the moon. When we find out more about the universe, we also learn more about ourselves and our place on planet Earth.

Week Commencing: 8^th July 2019

Focus Question: How important is it to travel?

News Story: Heathrow Airport has unveiled its £30 billion expansion plans with a third runway set to open by 2026. Many campaigners have warned the project will cause 30 years of misery and long-term damage. The plans include lowering the M25 motorway for the third runway to cross, diverting rivers and moving roads, with campaigners warning of the environmental impact. Supporters of the new runway have said it would help to reduce fares of tickets, lead to fewer delays, and allow travel to more daily destinations.

British Value: Individual Liberty - People travel for different reasons. Some may want to learn about life in other places, others may be visiting loved ones or travelling for work. For some, travelling may be essential but for others it might be a lifestyle choice.

Week Commencing: 1^st July 2019

Focus Question: Is it important for us to measure time?

News Story: A Norwegian island is campaigning to get rid of the concept of time, allowing the people who live there to do “what we want, when we want”. Citizens of Sommaroy in West Tromso, north of the Arctic Circle, say that normal business hours should not apply to them because they do not experience time like the majority of the rest of the world. The sun doesn’t rise in winter or set in summer on Sommaroy, leading most of the island’s 300 residents to back a bid for it to become the world’s first time-free zone. 

British Value: Democracy - The island of Sommaroy doesn't have a traditional night and day for much of the year so the people, who live there, are campaigning to get rid of the usual way we measure time. If they are successful, they will be the first place in the world without time!

Week Commencing: 24^th June 2019

Focus Question: Should women footballers be paid the same as men?

News Story: The 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup is now well underway in France with the final less than 2 weeks away! The competition is being held across nine cities, with the semi-final and final being played in Lyon. Women's football is fast growing in popularity, with the global viewing audience for the Women's World Cup expected to reach up to one billion! But the players themselves are increasingly questioning the level of earnings and prize money they receive compared to male footballers, which are around x10 less! 

British Value: Lots of people enjoy playing and watching football! The FIFA Women’s World Cup is currently underway and over 1 million tickets have been sold. Women’s football is thought to be one of the fastest growing sports across the world!

Week Commencing: 17^th June 2019

Focus Question: Should we always make everyone feel welcome?

News Story: Last week, the US President Donald Trump visited the UK for an official state visit. He spent time with the Prime Minister, Theresa May and the Queen and other members of the Royal family. Theresa May has said it was a chance for the US and UK "to strengthen our already close relationship". But others don't think that he should be given such a formal and important welcome. Some UK politicians, including Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, didn’t attend the special banquet in honour of President Trump. Protests also took place in London, with anti-Trump campaigners planning marching through the streets. 

British Value: Democracy - All countries have their own rules to decide how their country is run and who their leader will be. In a democracy, a voting public allows everyone to have a say. In the USA, Donald Trump was voted in as their President

Week Commencing: 10^th June 2019

Focus Question: Should break times be reduced to improve learning?

News Story: Children as young as four are now getting even shorter break times at school, because of a push to increase lesson time. A long-term study revealed primary school pupils today have 45 minutes less break time a week than they did nearly 25 years ago. Researchers from the study conducted by The UCL Institute of Education, found time out of class for children to play and chat to their friends has been getting gradually shorter and shorter. 

British Value: Rule of Law - Our teachers and schools think carefully about when we have breaks and how long we have between lessons, making sure that we have enough time to learn and enough to rest! 

Week Commencing: 3^rdJune 2019

Focus Question: Will technology replace bedtime stories?

News Story: Technology is increasingly replacing stories at bedtime, with more than a quarter of parents trying to use home assistants, apps and voice notes to tell their child a story before bedtime research suggests. A study commissioned by children’s reading charity, BookTrust, indicates a growing reliance on virtual stories. The survey of 1,000 parents with children aged 10 or under found that, while almost half said they aim to share a story with their youngsters every night, 28% manage to do so. 

British Value: Technology is constantly changing how we live our lives and how we learn. It’s important to know the difference between when technology can help us and when it’s best to learn and do things on our own.

Week Commencing: 20^th May 2019

Focus Question: Does it take more than talent to succeed?

News Story: Whilst many schools have been busy preparing for summer testing, Flakefleet Primary School in Lancashire have been preparing for something just as nerve-racking but for completely different reasons! The choir at Flakefleet Primary School have been gearing up for the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent, which will be held next week. The group shot straight through to the semi-final following their rendition of Queen’s, Don’t Stop Me Now receiving the ‘Golden Buzzer’ from comedian David Walliams. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - It’s good to have dreams and goals. Trying hard and aiming high can help us to achieve great things. There’s also lots to be learnt from when things don’t go to plan! 

Week Commencing: 13^th May 2019

Focus Question: Should McDonalds have banned plastic straws?

News Story: McDonald's is being called on to stop its introduction of paper straws in the UK, amidst claims that they dissolve in drinks. The restaurant is switching from plastic to paper straws at all of their 1,361 restaurants after customer pressure. An online petition calling for a return to plastic straws has so far gathered more than 40,000 signatures. McDonald's have said they are "doing the right thing" while some customers feel that their needs should be considered. 

British Value: Respect - Plastic straws take an estimated 500 years to decompose! We should always ensure we are using plastics carefully and use reusable items whenever we can. 

Week Commencing: 6^th April 2019

Focus Question: Can anyone become a good leader?

News Story: The country of Ukraine has elected a comedian called Volodymyr Zelensky as its new president. Volodymyr, who is originally an actor and comedian, once starred in a role as a teacher who accidentally becomes president! According to official results, he won Ukraine’s presidential election with 73% of the vote. Volodymyr has no previous political experience and wasn’t very clear on his main goals and so many were surprised to hear of the surprising victory! 

British Value: Democracy - Like Ukraine, many countries will hold votes to allow people the choice to decide who will become their leader. Sometimes, the winner may not be what we expect, but in a democracy the votes are what count!

Week Commencing: 29^th April 2019

Focus Question: Is it always better to rebuild than to start again?

News Story: A huge fire engulfed the medieval cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, one of France's most famous landmarks. The 850-year-old Gothic building's spire and roof collapsed but the main structure, including the two bell towers, were saved. France’s President Emmanuel Macron called it a terrible tragedy. One firefighter was seriously injured while tackling the blaze. 

The fire began at around 6.30pm (local time) on Monday 15th April and quickly reached the roof of the cathedral, destroying its stained-glass windows and the wooden interior before toppling the spire.

British Value: Respect - Buildings and places can hold huge importance for people. They can be part of who we are, hold special memories and be part of our shared culture. 

Week Commencing: 23^rd April 2019

Focus Question: Should we always give people a second chance?

News Story: More than 1,200 ex-offenders now work for the Timpson group, which includes the shoe-mending and key-cutting chain. After 15 years’ recruiting prisoners, Timpson is now stepping up its plans, aiming to recruit another 150 this year. “It’s a great way of finding amazing people,” says James Timpson, the chief executive and great-great-grandson of the founder, “We look for staff everywhere, but a lot of people who have been in prison are desperate for an opportunity”

British Value: Rule of Law - People who break the law and have spent time in prison will often find it hard to get a job. A second chance at work can mean a fresh start for people who may otherwise find it difficult to be forgiven.

Week Commencing: 15^th April 2019

Focus Question: Who should decide what we eat for lunch?

News Story: The Great British Bake-Off judge and celebrity chef, Prue Leith, has called for schools to ban pack lunches. Ms Leith told a recent food conference in Scotland that schools should be made responsible for teaching children to eat good food, as they do in Finland. She also called for lunchtime to “become a lesson” and become part of the curriculum. Everyone, including staff, should sit down together in the dining hall, with the meals staggered so that children wouldn’t have to queue.

British Value: Individual Liberty - School lunchtime is an opportunity to rest, refuel and let off some steam! It’s important to think about what we eat and how we can make the best use of this time each day, given the choices we have.

Week Commencing: 22^nd March 2019

Focus Question: Are libraries still needed in modern times?

News Story: A bid to stop plans to close 25 libraries, and hand over several more to be "community-run" by volunteers, has failed in Essex last week. At a meeting of Essex County Council, an amendment was passed which did not rule out closures but agreed to explore using libraries as community hubs. At least 846 public libraries have been closed nationwide since 2010, according to figures from library association CILIP, which has left several local authorities with the lowest library provision in Europe. 

British Value: Respect - Libraries can offer a lot more than just the books they contain, they are a welcoming place to educate, enrich and support us all regardless of who we are or where we are from. 

Week Commencing: 18^th March 2019

Focus Question: Should schools be car free zones.

News Story: Children at Russell Scott Primary in Tameside have launched a campaign which involves patrolling the street outside their school and giving out fake parking tickets to anyone who stops on yellow lines or with their engine on. The fumes that come out of the back of car exhausts are bad for the lungs, especially for young children. The children are known as “Junior PCSOs" (a PCSO is a police community support officer). 

British Value: Rule of Law - There are rules and laws about where and how cars park around our schools to keep us all safe. It’s important we follow these rules and encourage others to do the same. 

Week Commencing: 11^th March 2019

Focus Question: Can we learn to be happy?

News Story: Education secretary, Damian Hinds has announced a new pilot for up to 370 schools for the teaching of mindfulness. The pupils in the chosen schools will be taught mindfulness techniques and breathing exercises as part of one of the largest mental health trials in the world. The UK schools will offer the lessons to improve wellbeing and help to regulate emotions. 

British Value: Mutual Respect - There will be times when we feel happy, and times when we feel sad. It’s important we support each other during difficult times and celebrate together the things that make us happy! 

Week Commencing: 4^th March 2019

Focus Question: Do we have more clothes than we need?

News Story: A number of MPs in our government have called for clothing companies to pay 1p on every item of clothing they sell to pay for a £35m annual recycling scheme. What’s known as ‘fast fashion’ is a contributor to greenhouse gases, water pollution, air pollution and over-use of water. And they are putting pressure on the government to force clothing manufacturers to pay more towards collecting and recycling the waste they create. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - Clothes are important both to reflect who we are and to keep us warm and covered! It takes a lot of time and energy to make clothes, so we need to take care of them and be sure to reuse and recycle wherever possible. 

Week Commencing: 25^th February 2019

Focus Question: Should you always vote if you have the chance?

News Story: Having been delayed by a week, Nigeria’s presidential election is set to take place on the 25th February. Whoever wins will have to respond to power shortages and high unemployment. There are 73 registered candidates in the presidential election, but campaigning has been dominated by President Buhari, 76, and Atiku Abubakar, 72. While both are in their 70s, more than half of Nigeria's 84 million registered voters are under 35. 

British Value: In a democracy, people elect their leaders and have a say in how their country is run. Nigeria became a democracy in 1999 and has recently held elections to find their new president. 

Week Commencing: 11^th February 2019

Focus Question: Is it everyone’s responsibility to help us learn?

News Story:The Department for Education has announced that employees from retailers including shoe shop Clarks and newsagent WH Smith will be trained to speak to children as part of a drive to improve early language skills. Staff will be taught to strike up conversation with toddlers and young people while they try on shoes or buy things from the counter, so they can practise talking and responding to questions. Training will take place this summer. 

British Value: Tolerance - We can learn a lot from people who have different experiences from our own. It is important to show an openness to learning from and speaking to others in all kinds of places! 

Week Commencing: 4^th February 2019

Focus Question: Is there a time when giving up is the right thing to do?

News Story: British tennis player, Andy Murray has been beaten in what might have been his last ever match. He lost in five sets to Roberto Bautista Agut in the Australian Open first round. Speaking about the match, Murray said "If this was my last match, it was an amazing way to end. I gave everything I had - it wasn't enough tonight." Murray had hoped to carry on playing until this year's Wimbledon, but after struggling to recover from hip surgery he said he may not be able to play through the pain and would have to stop sooner. Andy has won 45 titles during his career. 

British Value: Mutual Respect - At times, people may need to make difficult decisions about their work or things they enjoy doing. This may mean giving up something we love and needing to change direction. We must respect these decisions, as sometimes things are out of our control.

Week Commencing: 28^th January 2019

Focus Question: Should all children receive free fruit at school?

News Story: The Soil Association, the UK's leading food and farming charity, has criticised the government's £40million scheme to get school children to eat more fruit and vegetables. It argues that it is 'actually putting them off their greens'. The charity says pupils are being given produce lacking in flavour. It is calling for a review of the £40million a year School Fruit and Veg scheme which is currently just for schools in England, not Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - It is important to eat a balanced diet to stay healthy. Throughout our day, we will often make choices about the food we eat. We can use these choices to make sure we eat a wide range of foods to keep us well. 

Week Commencing: 21^st January 2019

Focus Question: Should we spend more time with people who are older than us?

News Story: A recent report by United For All Ages, claims that bringing young and older people together can tackle many different issues including loneliness and wellbeing. It claims there are many benefits of sharing time together including better mental health and improved confidence, language and social skills for everyone. Projects with old and young people can also boost confidence, skills and opportunities for children while helping to change attitudes towards ageing. 

British Value: Mutual Respect - Our communities and families are made up of people of all ages. We can all benefit and learn from spending time with those who are both older and younger than us. 

Week Commencing: 14^th January 2019

Focus Question: Should our leaders make key decisions, or should we all have a say?

News Story: Britain is expected to leave the EU on the 29th March this year following a referendum in June 2016. This week, over two hundred Members of Parliament have signed a letter to the Prime Minister asking her to rule out a no-deal Brexit, to try to protect jobs and manufacturing. A no-deal Brexit means the UK would leave the European Union (EU) immediately on 29 March 2019, and there would be no agreements in place about what their relationship would be like in future. 

British Value: Democracy - Voting is the most fundamental right in our democracy. Citizens care deeply about their countries and it is important they get the chance to obtain the best possible information to make their choices. 

Week Commencing: 7^th January 2019

Focus Question: Should drones be banned?

News Story: Thousands of people had their Christmas travel affected by disruption at London Gatwick airport. The airport's runway was shut down for more than a day after what were thought to be drones were spotted flying over it. Police continue to investigate what happened. The drones were first spotted on Wednesday 19th December in the evening and the airport's runway was closed at 9pm, causing the start of the delays and cancellations. 

British Value: Rule of Law - Drones can be lots of fun if used correctly, but if they aren’t used safely, they can be very dangerous. There are laws for drones that we all must follow to help keep everyone safe. 

Week Commencing: 17^th December 2018

Focus Question: What does it take to perform in front of others.

News Story: The Virgin TV Stars competition gave primary schools across the UK the chance to have their Christmas play produced for millions of TV viewers. The company will film a special recording of the winning school’s festive production and make it available, via on-demand, to its four million Virgin TV customers in the days leading up to Christmas! 

British Value: We are all different. Some of us may feel confident standing in front of lots of people and enjoy it, for others it may take a lot of courage. It’s important to show respect and support each other when performing! 

Week Commencing: 10^th December 2018

Focus Question: Should technology be banned at mealtimes?

News Story: The restaurant chain Frankie and Benny's is hoping to stop customers from using their mobile phones while eating dinner. It believes it is the first large company in the UK to start the scheme and is offering a 'children eat free' bonus to anyone who agrees.
The campaign will run for a week at all of the company's 250 restaurants and may be rolled out permanently depending on its success. 

British Value: Individual Liberty - We are often able to choose how we interact with others during mealtimes, we can talk, read, or sit quietly. It’s important to consider those around us too. Is it a good time to talk, if others have had a bad day or want to chat?

Week Commencing: 3^rd December 2018

Focus Question: Should adverts be a place to share news and opinions?

News Story:A Christmas advert raising awareness of the impact of palm oil production on the environment has been banned from UK TV after it was described as being "too political". UK supermarket Iceland wanted to use the advert that had been made by environmental charity Greenpeace, which tells the story of an orangutan whose home is being destroyed by palm oil producers.

British Value: The rule of law - Adverts, like TV programmes, are often viewed by huge audiences and have a specific purpose. If the advert doesn’t follow the guidelines, it may not be allowed to be shown 

Week Commencing: 26^th November 2018

Focus Question: Does your gender affect the job you choose?

News Story: Scientists conducting the world’s largest study of gender differences in the brain have recently found men were more likely to prefer “things” and “systems”, while women were more interested in people and emotions.
It is a heavily debated issue as to why some jobs in areas such as engineering or construction are mainly chosen by men, and others such as beauty and caring professions, are mainly chosen by women.

British Value: The rule of law - Modern equality laws protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.

Week Commencing: 19th November 2018

Focus Question: Have we become a throwaway society?

News Story: A study sponsored by Sainsbury’s and Oxfam has calculated that more than 235 million articles of clothing were sent to landfill annually. Discarded clothing has been one of the fastest-growing sources of British waste over the past decade. The UK has had to more than double its domestic waste capacity since 2010 from 6.3 million tonnes to 13.5 million tonnes. In London, a series of "repair cafes" have been set up to encourage people to think before they throw. 

British Value: Mutual Respect - What we do with the things in our care is our responsibility. Things that may seem old or even broken, may be repairable or of great use to someone else.

Week Commencing: 12^th November

Focus Question: Should we be able to control when it is day and when it is night?

News Story: China is to launch a fake "moon" into space that it hopes will illuminate one of the country's biggest cities. Officials in Chengdu, a city of 14 million people in China's southwestern province of Sichuan, announced plans to place a satellite in orbit by 2020 capable of reflecting sunlight onto its streets at night, claiming it will be bright enough to entirely replace street lights. 

British Value: Democracy - The politicians we vote for, make key decisions about our country including changes that might make our lives easier through debate and democratic consultation. 

Week Commencing: 5^th November 2018

Focus Question: Can remembering the past help to make a better future?

News Story: 2018 marks 100 years since the end of World War One. The first war that affected many people around the world. On 11th November 1918, an agreement called the Armistice was signed which silenced the guns after four years and four months of fighting.
When this happened, many people celebrated, but it was also an extremely sad time as people reflected on the terrible impact that the war had. 

British Value: Respect - World War One affected almost everyone in the UK, and many people all around the world. It is important to show our respect when learning and thinking about this time in history. 

Week Commencing: 29^th October 2018

Focus Question: Who decides what is art?

News Story: Earlier this month, a 2006 spray painting, by the famous graffiti artist Banksy, ended up being shredded as soon as it was sold. The print was in a large frame that had a shredder hidden inside it, as soon as the sale was confirmed the image headed down towards the shredder. The picture was a print of one of Banksy's most famous works “Girl With Balloon.” It’s now thought the shredded image is worth twice as much as the original! 

 British Value: Rule of Law - Graffiti is a way people express their opinions about the world but it is important to respect the laws of the land and consider where is it presented. 

Week Commencing: 15^th October 2018

Focus Question: Are there times we need to break the rules to help change how people think?

News Story: On October 16th, 50 years ago, African-American sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their gloved fists in a black power salute at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City, while the American national anthem played during the presentation of their medals. Their gesture was a show of defiance against racism taking place in America. 

British Value: Rule of Law - Our laws ensure that we are treated equally, regardless of our skin colour, gender or anything else that makes us who we are. 

Week Commencing: 8^th October 2018

Focus Question: What would you find hardest about living in a world designed for people different from you?

News Story: High street retailer Marks & Spencer has announced the launch of a new 'easy dressing' range designed for children with disabilities. There are 106 items, the collection is specially adapted for youngsters who need 'extra help' including sensitive skin and feeding tubes. Thought to be a high street first, the ‘Kids Easy Dressing’ range with prices start at £3. 

British Value: Mutual Respect - Everyone is different and everyone deserves the right to be included. We will do all that we can to ensure others are included at every opportunity.

Week Commencing: 1^stOctober 2018

Focus Question: Should young people who break the law be treated like adults ?

News Story: Criminals under the age of 25 should be treated kindlier by courts because they are still growing up, according to a report published last week. More than 140,000 adults aged 18 to 24 were sentenced in criminal courts last year and they should be treated differently, the Howard League for Penal Reform says. It calls for formal sentencing guidelines to help judges and magistrates understand young adults better. 

British Value: Rule of Law: Laws are made to ensure we are all kept safe and that there are consequences for crimes that people commit. 

Week Commencing: 24^thSeptember 2018