British Values
Dawpool Church School recognises its duty to prepare its pupils for life in modern Britain - that living in a local, national and international community will require them to both understand and appreciate difference, whilst maintaining a shared sense of the structures that are needed to keep individuals and community safe. We celebrate and promote British values that encourage a happy and successful national community.
At Dawpool Church School we base the way that we behave and treat others on Christian Values, celebrating the Fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control), and teaching HeartSmart Actions and Learning Values. We recognise that these guiding principles are present in other faiths and respect them in all forms. British and Christian values are regularly promoted through high quality teaching, a values based approach to Worship, an abundant and inclusive curriculum and a positive behaviour policy which allows pupils to develop and demonstrate skills and attributes that will allow them to contribute positively to life in Modern Britain.
Each week, Dawpool pupils focus on a big question, based on a current news story, which relates to one of the fundamental British Values: Democracy, Rule of Law, Individual Liberty, Mutual Respect, Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs. An overview of these questions is included below:
Week Commencing: 22nd May 2023
Focus Question: Has being online changed things for the better?
News Story: 30 years ago, on 30th April 1993, Swiss science company CERN opened up the World Wide Web to the world, free-of-charge. The ‘collaborative information system’ was being used by the scientists at CERN (the European Organisation for Nuclear Research) to communicate, without delay, across countries and continents but deciding that there could be wider uses for the tool, they made it available for everyone.
British Values: Individual Liberty - Having access to information is a right we all have. Using the World Wide Web can have many benefits but also risks. We can manage the risks and help to keep ourselves safe whilst using it.
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the World Wide Web,
Help us to use it wisely – to learn more, to share good news and to spread joy,
Amen
Week Commencing: 15th May 2023
Focus Question: Should all animals be treated equally?
News Story: Blackpool Zoo is looking to hire a team of people in an attempt to scare away nuisance seagulls - by dressing them in bird costumes. Blackpool Zoo says the birds have been persistently stealing food from visitors and animal enclosures. The role, which would be housed within the Zoo’s Visitor Services team, will involve someone dressing up as an eagle and keeping seagulls away from the main visitor dining areas.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - Seagulls are known for stealing food and can be a nuisance! Not everyone will feel this way. We can show respect to people who have different beliefs and opinions.
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for all the animals you created,
Help us to care for and protect them,
Help us to treat them all with respect, even if we need to use protective measures to keep ourselves or something safe,
Amen
Week Commencing: 8th May 2023
Focus Question: Do you think music has a positive impact on the world?
News Story: For the first time since 1998, the United Kingdom will play host to the Eurovision Song Contest and will do so on behalf of last year’s winners, Ukraine, who are unable to host due to the ongoing war. This year marks the 67th edition of the competition and 37 countries have chosen to compete for the famous, life-changing trophy. The city of Liverpool will be hosting this year’s event and it’s thought that more than 160 million people will be watching!
British Values: Democracy - We all have a voice. We can use our voice to choose our favourite song in the Eurovision Song Contest. We may even cast a vote!
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for music,
Thank you for all the instruments and creative people from all around the world, who give us a variety of music,
Thank you that music can help us see, feel and remember,
Amen
Week Commencing: 1st May 2023
Focus Question: How do you choose to celebrate significant events?
News Story: The coronation of King Charles III is taking place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May. During the ceremony, the King will be crowned alongside Camilla, the Queen Consort. Buckingham Palace has announced various events for the weekend, including a concert and laser light show at Windsor Castle on Sunday 7th May. There will be an extra bank holiday across the UK on Monday 8th May and people are also being invited to hold street parties, and to take part in volunteering projects in their local community.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - We are all different; our lives, and our beliefs. How or if we choose to celebrate the coronation will be different too and we respect this.
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for all the wonderful things we can celebrate,
Thank you for the special people in our lives, who celebrate with us,
Thank you for always being there, celebrating with us and sharing in our joy,
Amen
Week Commencing: 24th April 2023
Focus Question: How do you learn best?
News Story: An educational television programme for young people in Afghanistan has been launched by the BBC. The TV show has been created to help children, who have been banned from going to school in the country, and is aimed at children aged 11 to 16. The Taliban group, who took over the country in 2021, have stopped girls over the age of 11 from attending school. The weekly programme is called Dars, which means ‘lesson’ in Afghanistan's official languages.
British Values: Rule of Law - Different countries have different rules and laws about school and education. In the UK, all children must be provided with an education from age 5 to 18.
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for all the different resources and people who help us learn,
Thank you for teaching us how to live and showing us the right way,
Amen
Week Commencing: 17th April 2023
Focus Question: Can you prepare for emergency situations?
News Story: Loud siren-like sounds will be triggered on mobile phones and other devices on 23rd April as part of a UK Government test of its new emergency alerts system. The service will broadcast alarms and send emergency advice to people's devices to warn them of nearby danger that could threaten their life such as a large fire or flooding. As part of the service's roll out, a number of trials are taking place.
British Values: Individual Liberty - There are many situations in life that
can become dangerous. By considering the consequences of our actions and managing risks, we can help to keep ourselves and others safer.
Week Commencing: 27th March 2023
Focus Question: How do communities support each other in difficult times?
News Story: Schools in parts of Turkey and Syria have been reopening in the weeks since devastating earthquakes hit, many in the form of makeshift tents. Teachers in the affected areas are making certain children’s education continues, despite the difficult circumstances. Many school buildings were affected in the earthquakes at the start of February, leading to all educational institutions nationwide being closed for over two weeks. Although many learning centres have since reopened, lessons have had to also continue in tent schools, set up by volunteers and authorities in the worst affected areas.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - Community groups can be formed by people with similar interests or characteristics. Not everyone shares the same interests or characteristics as each other but we can respect that.
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for all the people within our communities, who play a part in our lives,
Help us to understand we all have a part to play in making our communities special,
Help us recognise when others in our community need us,
Amen
Week Commencing: 20th March 2023
Focus Question: How important are guide dogs for those in need?
News Story: Sight loss charity, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, has launched an appeal for volunteers to help raise and foster guide dogs. Guide dog users rely on their companions for help inside and outside the home, and for many, for their independence. In a recent documentary shown on the BBC, journalist Sean Dilley told of his relationship with his guide dog, Sammy, who recently retired. After the programme aired, the charity had close to 5,000 people stepping forward to volunteer. Before the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020, there were over 4,800 guide dog partnerships and now there are 3,695. More than one in five people who had a guide dog before then now do not.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - My behaviour, actions and words can affect others. Volunteering is an action that can affect others in a positive way and help make a difference to their lives.
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of sight that lets me see all the wonderful things in the world,
Help us to be aware of those who cannot see,
Help us see your light, love and hope,
Amen
Week Commencing: 13th March 2023
Focus Question: Should Roald Dahl books be changed for modern times?
News Story: Book publisher, Puffin, has announced that stories by the famous children's author Roald Dahl are going to be changed, making them more suitable for modern times. Roald Dahl is famous for his books, including Matilda, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, and The BFG. The changes include taking out unkind descriptions of characters' appearance such as ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’. Some people disagree with changes, including the UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak and the Queen Consort, Camilla.
British Values: Rule of Law - As we move into the future, things develop, change and modernise. Rules and laws will sometimes need to be updated because of this
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the world we live in,
As time passes and changes, help me focus on what is important,
Help me to focus on love,
Amen
Week Commencing: 6th March 2023
Focus Question: Could you do more to protect your local area?
News Story: It has been suggested that the number of hazel dormice in the UK has dropped from around 3.5 million to only 750,000 in almost 30 years. Currently, their conservation status is classed as ‘vulnerable’, but some researchers say people should be more worried for them. A recent report from the University of Exeter urges for hazel dormice to be reclassified as ‘endangered’ and calls for more conservation action.
British Values: Democracy - We all have a voice and our opinions should be heard. If we want to help care for and protect natural habitats, we can use our voice and take action
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for all of the amazing animals that share the world with us,
Help us to take responsibility for
them and do all we can to care for and protect them,
Amen
Week Commencing: 27th February 2023
Focus Question: Will the world become cashless in the future?
News Story: A safe, digital pound that can be used in shops or online is likely to be needed for the future, the government has said. The Treasury and the Bank of England will explore the idea. It would be issued by the Bank of England and accessed by people and businesses through ‘digital wallets’ on smartphones or smartcards. Users would not hold accounts directly at the central bank and could use the currency online and for payments made in shops or restaurants in person.
British Values: Individual Liberty - People can choose how they spend their money. There may be benefits and consequences of spending money in each of its forms, which may vary for each individual.
A Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the things we own.
Help us understand that kindness
and generosity can bring happiness,
which can make us feel rich and is a true measure of wealth.
Amen
Week Commencing: 13th February 2023
Focus Question: What is the most important form of communication?
News Story: Humans can understand other apes’ common methods of sign language, scientists have just discovered. Researchers at the University of St Andrews in Scotland have found that people can comprehend the meaning of signals apes, such as wild chimps and bonobos, use to communicate with each other. The scientists’ video-based study asked volunteers to interpret the gestures from clips of various apes and choose from a list of potential translations.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - We are all different, so communicate in different ways. Developing our communication skills can help us become more understanding of the world we live in and may even help someone else feel welcome and cared for.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for all the different ways
we can communicate with others.
Thank you for always listening.
Help us to speak to you and listen to your message,
Amen
Week Commencing: 6th February 2023
Focus Question: Should men and women’s sports teams be paid the same?
News Story: The Welsh Football Association has announced that
the national men and women's football teams will be paid equally moving forward. Wales joins a list of other countries including Australia, USA, Norway, and Brazil, who pay their men and women football players the same amount to play for their country's national team. In order to reach the deal, the Wales men's senior team agreed to a 25% pay cut, thus enabling a 25% rise for the women's team, which now brings them both equal on pay.
British Values: Democracy - If we do not agree with something or do not think it is fair, we can use our voices to make changes. Wales’ national men and women's football teams will now receive equal pay.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for teaching us kindness, fairness and love for everyone.
Give us the courage to stand up for
the things we believe are right.
Help us to build a world that values
all people equally.
Amen
Week Commencing: 30th January 2023
Focus Question: Does the natural world have rights?
News Story: Brazil's new president has said he aims to reduce deforestation and help protect the Amazon rainforest. In his first speech, Luiz Inácio da Silva (also known as Lula), promised to make climate protection a priority and explained he wanted to reach zero deforestation in the Amazon. Scientists often call the rainforest the ‘lungs of the planet’, because of the role it plays in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen, saying that preservation of the Amazon is vital to stopping climate change.
British Values: Rule of Law - Rules and laws can be put in place to help protect the natural world. We are all responsible for these rules and laws.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for our beautiful world.
Thank you for the Amazon rainforest and everything in it.
Sorry for the damage we have caused.
Help us to do better, to be good stewards of the world and to protect and care for it.
Amen
Week Commencing: 23rd January 2023
Focus Question: How much control do influencers have over our choices?
News Story: A drink called ‘Prime Hydration’ has arrived in the UK and as quickly as it arrived, it sold out. The creators of the drink are online influencers KSI and Logan Paul. After opening, some shops saw pushing and shoving as people tried to get their hands on the drinks, with many deciding to limit customers to one bottle per person. The craze did not stop at the supermarket shelves; on eBay, the drinks were up for sale for thousands of pounds each. The founders of Prime, KSI and Logan Paul, have a combined YouTube following of over 40 million people.
British Values: Mutual Respect - We all have the power to influence so should consider how our behaviour, actions and words can affect others.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the freedom to make our own choices.
Help us to make choices that show kindness, forgiveness, compassion and love.
Help us to follow those who influence us positively and to know we have the power to use our positive influence on others too.
Amen
Week Commencing: 16th January 2023
Focus Question: Do we throw things away too easily?
News Story: Many of us are increasingly reusing, repairing, and upcycling items, instead of throwing them away and replacing with new ones, according to experts. Upcycling shop, the Repair Café in Wales believes, that because of the cost of living crisis, people are making the most of what they already have. Throwaway culture has been the norm since the 1950s but now appears to be declining.
British Values: Individual Liberty - It is important to remember all our actions have consequences. If we choose to repair items, we can save money, help the environment and learn new skills.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us hope and the possibility of a new start.
Sorry for any damage we may have caused in the past.
Help us to see the possibilities in everything around us
so that we can repair and restore.
Amen
Week Commencing: 9th January 2023
Focus Question: Can you learn how to manage to learn under pressure?
News Story: 18-year-old Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix has been named as a BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year finalist. She is one-time National Champion, two-time Commonwealth Champion, and two-time European Champion across 10-metre diving and 10-metre synchronised diving. Skateboarder, Sky Brown, and gymnast, Jessica Gadirova, were nominated alongside Spendolini-Sirieix. Andrea is continuing with her A-Levels, attending school 3 days a week.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - We are all different so the way we respond to the demands or pressures we may face will be different too. We understand and respect that not everyone is the same and everyone needs to be treated as an individual.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Give us the wisdom to recognise when we may be feeling pressured and stressed.
Give us the wisdom to make changes or ask for help.
Help us recognise when others may need our help.
Thank you for always being there
and for giving us strength.
Amen
Week Commencing: 2nd January 2023
Focus Question: Should all the energy we use be renewable?
News Story: A flatpack wind turbine, invented by Douglas Macartney from Scotland, is to help provide power to communities in Kenya, Africa. Douglas designed the turbine for a competition four years ago, when he was only 15. It has now been developed into a working prototype with two additional solar panels by teams of student engineers from Glasgow Caledonian University. It is hoped the device, which can be assembled without any specialist training, will be used to help areas recovering from natural disasters and in rural settlements.
British Values: Democracy - Energy is required to power many of the useful and convenient items we use daily. This energy can be produced in many different ways. We can use our voices to share our thoughts on this and impact the future.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the incredible things you provided the world like the wind, which never runs out,
Thank you for the love you have for us and everything in the world.
Thank you that your love never runs out and will go on and on,
Amen
Week Commencing: 12th December
Focus Question: What would it be like to live on the moon.
News Story: Nasa officials have recently announced that humans could live on the Moon during this decade. They wouldn't be living there permanently, but could stay for long periods to carry out scientific research. Howard Hu, who leads the Orion lunar spacecraft programme for Nasa, said they would need to create homes on the lunar surface to support scientific expeditions. Nasa’s plan is that the next mission would have a crew onboard, followed by a third, where astronauts would land on the Moon. This would be the first manned Moon trip for Nasa since Apollo 17, 50 years ago, in December 1972.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - We are all different so our thoughts, feelings and opinions about visiting the Moon will be different too. We can show respect for and understanding of our differences.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the Moon.
Thank you for the Earth, the skies and the whole Universe.
Help us to care for and look after all of your wonderful and incredible Creation,
Amen
Week Commencing: 5th December 2022
Focus Question: Are television channels as important as they once were?
News Story: This year, the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) marks 100 years of broadcasting. The first daily radio broadcasts began at 6pm, 14th November 1922. TV hadn't been invented then and it was another 14 years until the BBC started broadcasting regular programmes on television. Lord John Reith was the BBC’s first boss and wanted broadcasting to be taken seriously. He said that the BBC should ‘inform, educate, entertain’ - in that order. Before children’s television, there was a children’s radio programme that began in 1922, soon after the BBC was set up. It was called Children's Hour and was on between 5 and 6 o'clock every afternoon.
British Values: Individual Liberty - With such a huge variety of entertainment available on our screens, we can choose what to watch. We can take some responsibility for our viewing to ensure we have a healthy amount of screen time.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for your special gift of Jesus to the world.
Thank you for the joy and excitement Christmas brings.
Help us to share in good news
by showing love and care to others,
at this time and always,
Amen
Week Commencing: 28th November 2022
Focus Question: Are some jobs more important than others?
News Story: Nurses in the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) union have voted for the union’s first UK-wide strike in its 106-year history. The action will involve RCN members in more than half of hospitals and community teams, but emergency care will not be affected. Pat Cullen, who is the General Secretary of the RCN, has said nurses are getting an unfair deal and that ‘members are saying enough is enough’. She also reports that the strike is for patients as well as workers, because staffing shortages are impacting access to healthcare across the UK. Nursing vacancies are at a record high, meaning staff are stretched and regularly working beyond the end of their shifts.
British Values: Democracy - We all have a voice and the right to use it. Nurses
in the Royal College of Nursing union have voted to strike, which is one way people
can share their voice.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the many different jobs we can do.
Help me to recognise my strengths and skills so that I can use them well.
Help me to always work hard and try my best.
Amen
Week Commencing: 21st November 2022
Focus Question: What can football teach us about the wider world?
News Story: The men’s FIFA World Cup 2022 has started in Qatar and will run until 18th December. It is the 22nd edition of the competition, and the first played in the Arab world. The 64 matches of the tournament will take place across eight venues in the country. Usually, the event takes place in summer but because of the extreme heat at that time of year, it has been moved to a November-December winter slot, though temperatures will still reach about 25oC. The decision to stage the tournament in Qatar has been criticized because of concerns over the country's poor treatment of the large number of workers from other countries, employed to help Qatar prepare for the tournament.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - World sports events provide
an opportunity to learn about other countries and their cultures. Life is not the same for everyone and we can respect our differences.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for teaching us
to welcome everyone.
Thank you for new places and new situations that we experience
with a warm welcome.
Help us to provide a warm welcome to others,
Amen
Week Commencing: 14th November 2022
Focus Question: Should we ever have to change our appearance
News Story: Pupils in schools should not be unfairly singled out for having afro hair, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has said in new guidelines for schools. The EHRC reported that rules banning certain styles are likely to be breaking the law. This includes styles such as afros, braids, cornrows, plaits, locks, and head coverings. The new guidance was announced to help schools in England, Scotland and Wales ensure their hair policies are fair.
British Values: Rule of Law - There may be rules we follow in school about how we wear our hair. Rules are often in place to protect us and keep us safe but we must ensure they are fair and do not discriminate.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for teaching us
to treat everyone fairly.
Give us courage to use our voices
to challenge things, if we think they
are wrong or unfair.
Help us to be resilient and determined
to stand up for what is right.
Amen
Week Commencing: 7th November 2022
Focus Question: Should more be done to help rescue pets?
News Story: Animal rescue groups in countries around the world are seeing a jump in the number of animals being brought to their shelters, as household finances are squeezed. One of the main causes is thought to be the cost-of-living crisis, which has meant many different costs have increased. This includes pet food ingredients such as meat, grains, and micronutrients, all of which have become more expensive in recent months.
British Values: Democracy - We all have a voice. We can use our voice to share our opinions and support the things that matter to us. For some, this might be caring for pets in need.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for all the amazing
pets you created.
Help us to understand what it takes
to look after and care for a pet.
Thank you for animal rescue groups,
who show care and love and help
others in times of need.
Amen
Week Commencing: 31st October 2022
Focus Question: Will robots make the world a better place?
News Story: A robot named Ai-Da has become the first robot to speak in the House of Lords in Westminster, London. The robot spoke to the House about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of arts, fashion, and music. Ai-Da's creators hope that she will give the House of Lords and others a fresh perspective on how technology can be used to create art in the future. Built in Cornwall by Engineered Arts, Ai-Da was then programmed by an international team and named after English mathematician, Ada Lovelace.
British Values: Individual Liberty - People are responsible for advances in science and technology. It is important that risks are managed and the consequences considered carefully so that these advances help us.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the wonderful world
that you created,
Help us to take responsibility
and care for it,
Guide us as we move into the future
so that technology enhances the world,
Amen
Week Commencing: 24th October 2022
Focus Question: Have our lives become too complicated?
News Story: After being shut for nearly two years, the world’s most southerly mail room on the remote Goudier Island in the Antarctic Peninsula, will reopen under a team of British women. Four new recruits and one returning team member will leave their friends and family behind and travel 9,000 miles to the
island for five months to run the Post Office and museum. Working in almost continuous daylight, they will handle 80,000 postcards by hand from tourists arriving on cruise ships. At peak times, up to two ships a day visit the island.
British Values: Mutual Respect & Tolerance - I know that life is not the same for everyone. Some people’s lives may be more complicated than others. Even if we’re feeling busy or pressured, it is important to still treat others with respect.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for always being there,
even when life feels hard or complicated.
Thank you for your gift of love.
Help us to listen to your voice so
we can always show love to others,
ourselves and the world,
Amen
Week Commencing: 17th October 2022
Focus Question: If we do something wrong who should decide the consequences?
News Story: All Lidl chocolate bunnies are to be melted after chocolate maker, Lindt, said they looked too similar to their own bunny shaped chocolate treat. The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland said that regardless of whether Lidl's packaging was golden or a different colour, they had too much similarity. The ruling banned the supermarket from selling the bunnies and ordered ones already made to be destroyed.
British Values: Individual Liberty - Our actions all have consequences. We must consider these consequences and take responsibility for our actions and the choices we make.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Forgive us for the times we may
have spoken unkind words or done
things that have hurt others,
Help us to share love, kindness
and friendship with others,
Thank you for always being there
and teaching us how to live,
Amen
Week Commencing: 10th October 2022
Focus Question: Should we all aim to be the best?
News Story: For over 20 years, Serena Williams and Roger Federer have dominated tennis tournaments all over the world. Between them, they have won 43 Grand Slam titles. In a five-week span, both players announced their retirement. Williams announced on Vogue magazine's website that she would retire after this year's U.S. Open, saying that at her age, "something's got to give." Federer's announcement followed after. He said his body's "message to me lately has been clear" and noted that his final competition would be the Laver Cup in London.
British Values: Mutual Respect and Tolerance - Everyone is different, with different talents. We can respect and celebrate the achievements of others and be thankful for the people in our lives who do the same for us.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you that we are all different,
with different talents,
Help us to be happy for others and celebrate their talents and achievements,
Help us to remember that we can all
be the best at something to someone,
Amen
Week Commencing: 3rd October 2022
Focus Question: Do we achieve more when there is a competition?
News Story: The popular dance competition, Strictly Come Dancing, has returned to TV screens. The 20th series of the competition has the show's largest ever line-up of professional dancers. Fifteen celebrities are competing for the glitterball this year, including presenters Kym Marsh and Helen Skelton, former footballer Tony Adams, Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, EastEnders actor James Bye and singer Matt Goss.
British Values: Rule of Law - Competitions have rules. These rules often state who can enter the competition and how to win. These rules encourage fair play and help keep contestants or competitors safe.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Give me strength and courage
to take part in the many
competitions in my life,
Help me to never give up,
even when times are difficult,
Help me to encourage
and support others,
Amen
Week Commencing: 26th September 2022
Focus Question: How can we help those in need who are far away?
News Story: Pakistan has had the heaviest rainfall in decades. The United Nation's (UN) Secretary General has urged the world to help Pakistan, after floodwater covered a third of the country. Starting an appeal to help the tens of millions affected by the disaster, Secretary General Antonio Guterres blamed exceptionally high levels of rain and climate change. The flooding has affected millions of people in Pakistan as the heavy rains have washed away roads, people’s homes, and farms. Emergency services have been pushed to their limits trying to rescue those stranded and evacuate them to temporary housing.
British Values: Individual Liberty - Millions of people living in Pakistan have been affected by flooding. There are many different ways we can help if we choose to.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
We pray for the millions of people
affected by flooding in Pakistan,
Thank you to those, all over the world,
who are helping,
Thank you for giving us strength,
courage and hope,
Amen
Week Commencing: 20th September 2022
Focus Question: Who is Britain’s new King?
News Story: The UK has a new monarch, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. From now on, the Queen's eldest son will be known as King Charles III. His wife, Camilla, becomes the Queen Consort, which is a term used for the partner of the King. Prior to her funeral, the Queen’s coffin was taken to Parliament's Westminster Hall, where tens of thousands of people queued to pay their respects. The queue reached about 5 miles long with wait times of up to 16 hours.
A Prayer:
Everlasting God,
We pray for our new King.
Bless his reign and the life of our nation.
Help us to work together
so that truth and justice, harmony and fairness flourish among us;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen
Week Commencing: 19th September 2022
Focus Question: Can we live our lives without plastic?
News Story: A housing association has built Europe’s first virtually plastic-free housing development in the UK. Built by GreenSquareAccord, the £1.3m project in Redditch, Worcestershire consists of 12 affordable one-bedroom homes built using many plastic-free alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Our actions have consequences. If we choose to buy and use items made from plastic, we must consider the impact this will have on our world.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us the freedom
to make choices.
Sorry for the times we have made
bad choices.
Help us to listen to you and make
wise choices.
Amen
Week Commencing: 12th September 2022
Focus Question: What can we do if we feel things aren’t fair?
News Story: The UK is seeing many different workers taking the decision to strike (action taken against employers by refusing to work for a period of time), with rail workers, barristers, call centre staff and postal workers all exercising their right to strike over low pay or poor working conditions. Disagreements are at their highest point in five years, driven by competition for workers, living cost increases and falling wages
British Value: Democracy - People who strike have decided to take action to help their voice be heard. We should listen to the voice of others and remember we also have a voice and have the right to use it.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for always being there,
For strengthening me and giving
me courage,
For helping me to understand when
to use my voice and take action.
Amen
8th September 2022
Focus Question: Who was Queen Elizabeth II?
News Story: The Queen has died peacefully, aged 96, marking an end to her historic reign. Buckingham Palace today confirmed the news. Her Majesty Elizabeth II is the longest serving monarch in British history. Her son, now King Charles III, said the death of his beloved mother was a "moment of great sadness" for him and his family and that her loss would be "deeply felt" around the world.
A Prayer:
Gracious God,
We give thanks for the life
Of your servant Queen Elizabeth,
For her faith and her dedication to duty.
Bless our nation as we mourn her death
And may her example continue to inspire us;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Week Commencing: 5th September 2022
Focus Question: Can toys help us to celebrate our differences?
News Story: Strictly Come Dancing star, Rose Ayling-Ellis, has teamed up with Barbie to unveil their first doll with behind-the-ear hearing aids. The EastEnders actress, who won the dance competition in 2021, features in Mattel’s (the toy company) ‘Rose, Barbie, and Friends’ campaign. She is photographed alongside a cast of diverse models reflecting the new line of dolls, which includes the first Ken doll with vitiligo, a Barbie doll with a prosthetic limb and another with a wheelchair.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Some people choose to train and teach animals to do jobs. It is important to remember, the choices we make often come with a responsibility such as ensuring working animals are cared for, safe and happy.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for our beautiful world, full of variety.
Thank you that we are
all wonderfully different.
Help us to be happy with who we are and know that each of us is special and unique.
Amen
Week Commencing: 18th July 2022
Focus Question: Should there be more rules for trampolines?
News Story: A recent study, conducted by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), has found that trampolining is to blame for half of all activity-related UK Accident and Emergency (A&E) hospital admissions in under-14s. The report, published in the BMJ’s Injury Prevention journal concluded, “trampolining is fun but potentially dangerous” after analysing 1.4 million trampolining injuries from around the world. Researchers found children were twice as likely to suffer broken bones or sprains when using trampoline centres rather than home trampolines.
British Value: Rule of Law – Places, like trampoline parks, have rules and adults in our home or at school may also set rules. We are all responsible for following these rules and keeping ourselves and others safe.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the adults in our lives
who help keep us happy and safe,
Help us to recognise when something may be dangerous, manage risk and do what
we can to protect ourselves and others,
Help us to enjoy ourselves in a safe
and respectful way,
Amen
Week Commencing: 11th July 2022
Focus Question: Should wet wipes be banned?
News Story: An island of wet wipes has 'changed the course of the Thames' river in London. The island, thought to be around the size of two tennis courts, has prompted many campaigners to fight for them to be banned. Rebecca Pow, Under-Secretary at the Department for Environment, said that if members of the public need to use wet wipes, they should not flush them into drains. Fleur Anderson, Labour MP, has warned that mounds of wet wipes and waste are changing the shape of rivers and polluting the water.
British Value: Rule of Law – Sometimes items can be banned. This means a rule or law is put in place to forbid this item being used. It is important to remember that rules and laws are there to protect us.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for our wonderful world,
Sorry for any actions which may have
hurt or damaged it,
Help us to keep trying to make
things better,
Help us to treasure our world.
Amen
Week Commencing: 4th July 2022
Focus Question: Is it important for everyone to have a hobby?
News Story: Requests to join the Scouts and Girlguiding groups have reached the highest levels for over 80 years. The Scout Association said nearly 90,000 young people across the UK are currently on waiting lists and Girlguiding has nearly 55,000 people waiting for a place. Simon Carter, national spokesperson for the Scout Association, said that in the last year, membership has grown by 16%. "We have not seen this level of growth since the Second World War," he added. "Lockdown was a grim period for young people. They couldn't go anywhere. There is now more zeal for the outdoors."
British Value: Individual Liberty – We all have the right to choose our hobbies. Some of our hobbies may even have a positive impact on others and our world.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for all of the activities and hobbies that help me experience fun, excitement and enjoyment.
Thank you for all of the groups that help others and benefit our world.
Amen
Week Commencing: 27th June 2022
Focus Question: How important are appearances?
News Story: A new study, from the University of Montpellier in France, has found that less attractive species of fish are more likely to be threatened with extinction than their more attractive counterparts as they lack public support. People are more committed to saving more colourful fish such as Nemo (Disney’s colourful orange and white striped clownfish), than ensuring the survival of other, duller species. Speaking about the study, senior research scientist, Dr Nicolas Mouquet, said, “We found that less beautiful fishes are those recognised as threatened.”
British Value: Individual Liberty – Research has shown that some species of fish are more likely to be threatened with extinction as they lack public support. It is important to remember our actions have consequences and we are responsible for them.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for the beautiful world we live in,
Thank you that there are so many wonderful and different creatures,
Help me to care for and see the beauty in everything you have created,
Amen
Week Commencing: 20th June 2022
Focus Question: How can we make sure that everyone is included?
News Story: The technology company, Google, has recently announced changes to its search engine, including the introduction of the ‘Monk Skin Tone Scale’ to help make search results more inclusive by showing a wider range of skin tones. Professor Dr Ellis Monk (creator of the Monk Skin Tone Scale) and Google aim to tackle the unfair balance of skin tones we see when searching online. The Monk Skin Tone Scale has 10 skin tones.
British Value: Mutual Respect – Not everyone is the same as me and their lives can be very different from mine. If we all try to understand one another, we can help to make sure we all feel included.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for loving
and accepting us all,
Give me the strength and courage
to see and help those who feel sad
or lonely so they can feel loved
and accepted too.
Amen
Week Commencing: 13th June 2022
Focus Question: Does sport have part to play in making the world a fairer place?
News Story: FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) has announced three female referees will officiate at the men’s World Cup tournament for the first time ever later this year in Qatar. Stephanie Frappart of France, Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga and Yoshimi Yamashita from Japan have been selected as part of FIFA’s official list of 36 referees for the tournament, which starts on 21st November.
British Value: Rule of Law – Referees enforce the rules of the game, which helps make it fair and safe. If players do not follow the rules, there can be consequences and they may even be asked to stop playing.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for teaching us to love everybody,
Help us to treat others fairly,
Teach us to know when we should speak out about unfairness and
when we should not.
Amen
Week Commencing: 6th June 2022
Focus Question: Can anyone be a hero?
News Story: Wales' Chief nursing officer, Sue Tranka, has said that depicting nurses as superheroes has placed added pressure on already exhausted workers. She added that the NHS faced an unsustainable staffing gap. There are more than 1,700 nursing vacancies in Wales, according to the Royal College of Nurses. Ms Tranka has said that unrealistic expectations on staff following the pandemic was not helping as, at the start of the pandemic, images of doctors and nurses as superheroes appeared everywhere.
British Value: Mutual Respect – Our behaviour, actions and words affect others. We all have the power to change people’s lives for the better. We can all be heroes!
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for all the people who
help us, care for us, love us and change our lives for the better.
Help me to learn from these people
and use my gifts to help others too.
Help me to remember, I am special
and have the power to be a hero.
Amen
Week Commencing: 23rd May 2022
Focus Question: How important is it for us to have a sense of duty?
News Story: Buckingham Palace has unveiled the full line-up of celebrations to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this year. Street parties, a concert with some of the world's biggest entertainment stars, a chance to see the Queen's homes and a street parade are just some of the formal plans. Many will take place during the upcoming special four-day Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June. 2022 marks 70 years of the Queen’s service – the first British monarch ever to reach the milestone.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Everyone has their own responsibilities and duties. Part of these are how we choose to behave and act. We are all responsible for our own actions.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
You call us to be welcoming to others.
Our Queen has given us a wonderful example of what welcoming others looks like in practice.
During her 70-year reign, she has greeted people from around the world and shaken hands with many different people.
She has given her time and attention to many people.
We thank you for our Queen and her example of welcome.
God bless our Queen.
We pray that we can be inspired by her to be welcoming to others.
May our celebrations of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee inspire us to be like the Good Samaritan, and like our Queen, by being kind and welcoming to everyone.
Amen.
Week Commencing: 16th May 2022
Focus Question: Should you always be allowed to choose your own breakfast?
News Story: Cereal company, Kellogg's, is taking the UK government to court over new rules that would stop some of its cereals being put at the forefront of supermarket shelves, as they have high amounts of sugar. It is challenging rules that are set to come into effect in England in October and would restrict the promotion of food and drink that is high in fat, salt and sugar. Kellogg’s has said the new rules don't take into account the nutritional value of milk, which is usually added to the product. The government's new rules, which follow other restrictions previously put in place, aim to encourage people to make healthier food choices.
British Value: Rule of Law - Rules and laws are put in place to protect us. The government’s new rules, that restrict the promotion of food and drink that is high in fat, salt and sugar, aim to encourage people to make healthier food choices.
A Prayer:
Thank you for the incredible choice of food that is available to us.
Help us to make healthy food choices so we can look after our bodies - we know how special they are.
Amen
Week Commencing: 9th May 2022
Focus Question: What makes us unique?
News Story: Danielle Webb, who is 23 and lives with dwarfism, recently wrote a book and regularly visits schools to help educate others about her condition in a bid to stamp out prejudice. Danielle said that changing the minds of adults was difficult, so her focus was on educating children. The student, who is 3ft 11.5in (1.2m), said being called names and laughed at "just becomes our norm”; so her new book, ‘Mummy, there’s a new girl’, tells the story of a girl who is picked on for her looks before a brave child looks past her differences and learns that size is no big deal.
British Value: Democracy - Danielle has used her voice to help educate others and stamp out prejudice. It is important that we listen so we can understand, learn about, and celebrate our differences.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you that we are all unique.
Help us see how special we are.
Help us to look beyond the outward appearance and see others as you do.
Amen
Week Commencing: 2nd May 2022
Focus Question: Should we have the right to say whatever we choose?
News Story: Chief executive of the electric car manufacturer, Tesla, and founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk, has reached a deal to buy Twitter, stating that he is the right person to release the social media platform's extraordinary potential. He has agreed to buy the social media platform in a £34.6bn ($44bn) deal. Musk is a regular Twitter user with more than 80 million followers. In March, Musk asked his followers whether they thought the social media platform encouraged free speech.
British Value: Individual Liberty - We all have rights and freedoms. We can choose how we speak, think and act. It is important to remember to take responsibility for our choices and the consequences they may have.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
We are sorry for the times we use hurtful words when we feel angry, frustrated or upset.
Help us to choose our words wisely and responsibly and to consider others before we speak.
Help us to use our freedom of speech for good.
Amen
Week Commencing: 25th April 2022
Focus Question: Should pets be protected more than other animals?
News Story: Access to a new scheme offering free pet healthcare across 38 European countries, is now available to Ukrainian refugees, who have left the country with their pets to avoid the conflict. Refugees will be able to have treatment costs covered for up to five dogs, cats, horses or other animals as a result of the effort by Humane Society International (HSI). The project, called, Vets for Ukrainian Pets, will provide up to £209 per pet for care and medication.
British Value: Democracy - We all have a voice and can use it to make a difference to things we care about. Some charities and volunteers have used their voice to help protect and care for pets escaping conflict in Ukraine.
A Prayer:
Dear God,
We thank you for creating our beautiful world and all the incredible animals in it.
Thank you for putting your trust in us
to love and care for our pets.
Help us to treat all animals living
in our world with respect.
Amen
Week Commencing: 4th April 2022
Focus Question: Do all inventions have a positive impact on the world?
News Story: A £16 billion proposal to build a huge solar power station in space is being explored by the government, the science minister has said. George Freeman, an investor who was appointed minister for science, research, and innovation last year, said his department had met with a group that wants to develop a solar farm in orbit, which would beam renewable energy back to Earth. It is thought that by the mid-2040s, it should be able to deliver about 30GW of continuous power straight from space.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Some people choose to build, create and invent things that can make our world better. It is important to remember we are all responsible for our own actions and choices and if we want make our world better, we can!
A Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank you for being our Creator.
Thank you for helping us all to have amazing ideas.
Thank you for the ideas and creativity of others.
Help us to use our ideas and creativity to make our world a better place.
Amen.
Week Commencing: 28th March 2022
Focus Question: If you keep trying will you always succeed?
News Story: The shipwreck of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, has been found 107 years after it became trapped in ice and sank off the coast of Antarctica. The Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust said the ship, which had not been seen since it sank in 1915, was found by a robot at a depth of 9,868 feet (3,008 metres). Footage of the wreck shows it has been very well preserved, with the ship's wheel still intact and the name 'Endurance’ still visible on the ship's stern.
British Value: Individual Liberty - The perseverance of people to find the long-lost ship, Endurance, has finally led to success. We can all choose to persevere with something we really want to achieve and not give up!
A Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for giving us the strength to keep on going, to face new challenges and not to give up, even when things are tough. Help us always to keep on going and to encourage others to do the same.
Week Commencing: 21st March 2022
Focus Question: Is there still a place for letters in this world?
News Story: Royal Mail has announced that stamp prices are to go up for both 1st and 2nd class options. The price of a 1st class stamp will rise by 10p to 95p on 4th April. The cost of a 2nd class stamp will increase by 2p to 68p. Royal Mail has explained that prices have had to go up as people are sending fewer letters and its running costs have increased. In a statement it said, "Royal Mail has considered these pricing changes very carefully in light of the long-term structural decline in letter usage".
British Value: Tolerance - We may not always agree when prices increase and items, such as stamps, cost more. We can share how we feel about it but must tolerate and accept that not everyone feels the same.
A Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you that we can write and send letters showing our friends we love and care for them.
Thank you for the people who deliver our letters.
Thank you for the friends, who take the time to write letters to us.
Week Commencing: 14th March 2022
Focus Question: How important is it to show bravery as a leader?
News Story: Currently, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is thought to be one of the most famous people in the world. Once an actor and comedian, the 44-year-old Ukrainian president is being called a hero, who has bravely refused to bow down to Russia, as his country of Ukraine endures an attack. Before his election in 2019, Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, acted as a president on the TV programme ‘Servants of the People’.
British Value: Mutual Respect - Bravery comes in many forms. A new or tricky situation may be challenging for one person but not another. We can respect our differences and support each other in difficult times.
A Prayer:
Dear Lord
Give me the strength to stand up for what is right.
Help me to be brave, strong and courageous when facing my fears.
Remind me that I am not alone and you are always by my side.
Give courage to people standing up for what is right in our world today.
Amen
Week Commencing: 7th March 2022
Focus Question: How might your life be different if you weren’t able to go to school?
News Story: Six months after the Taliban seized power in Kabul, Afghanistan,
there have been big changes to the lives of many in the country, particularly for the younger generation. The BBC has reported that more and more Afghan children are having to work to help support themselves and their families. As many people have not been paid for months, some children have had to work and earn money, instead of going to school. The Taliban also declared that girls would no longer be able to attend secondary school. Some schools are campaigning hard to remain open for all pupils.
British Value: Democracy - Many countries have laws which state education is compulsory for all children. In the UK, we have laws in place to ensure education is inclusive and available to everyone.
A Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Our school is a home,
For all the teachers who teach here,
For all the children who learn here.
We pray our school will be a place of great adventure, discovery and creativity.
A place where everyone is respected and all are valued.
Amen.
Week Commencing: 28th February 2022
Focus Question: What are other countries doing to help Ukraine?
News Story: Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, thousands of people have left their homes to reach areas where they think they will be safe. The United Nations have estimated that at least 100,000 people have already left their homes. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the UK needed to do everything it could to help Ukraine’s economy and support its government. Thousands of people have already crossed into neighbouring countries including Romania, Moldova and Poland.
Week Commencing: 28th February 2022
Focus Question: Whose responsibility is it to protect endangered animals?
News Story: Australia has announced that koalas are now listed as an endangered species across most of its east coast, after a huge drop in numbers. The country's environment minister, Sussan Ley, said that koalas, which had been listed as being vulnerable, would now be listed as endangered in the states of New South Wales, Queensland, and the Australian Capital Territory. Scientists have been warning for many years that the native marsupial’s habitats were being hit by drought, bushfires, and land development.
British Value: Democracy - We all have a voice and the right to express our opinions. Some people choose to use their voice to help protect animals facing extinction.
Week Commencing: 14th February 2022
Focus Question: What does a city of the future need?
News Story: Indonesia is planning to move its capital from Jakarta to the island of Borneo. The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, recently announced the planned name of the new capital as ‘Nusantara’. The government hopes
that by moving the capital, the burden on Jakarta, a city of 10 million people, will be reduced. Jakarta is highly congested, suffers regular flooding, and is one of the fastest sinking cities in the world, due to the overextraction of groundwater.
British Value: Individual Liberty - There are many different factors people consider when choosing where to live, such as jobs, schools, entertainment and homes available. Some people choose to live in cities or towns; others choose the countryside.
Week Commencing: 7th February 2022
Focus Question: Should everyone using our roads learn the Highway Code?
News Story: An update to the Highway Code has introduced a hierarchy of road users, which creates ‘clearer and stronger priorities’ for pedestrians. The Department for Transport claims that the changes, which are split into three main rules, have the foremost aim of improving safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders. The changes came into force at the end of January and whilst they have been welcomed by cycling campaigners, the government has been accused, by some in the media, of not making the updates clearer and known to road users.
British Value: Rule of Law - The Highway Code is a set of rules and advice for people using roads to follow. They are in place to help keep everyone safe.
Week Commencing: 31st January 2022
Focus Question: What type of events do you think deserve a celebration?
News Story: The Queen has announced a special competition ahead of her Platinum Jubilee later this year. The nationwide competition aims to find the perfect pudding that can be served for her Jubilee and beyond. Buckingham Palace has recently unveiled the full line-up of celebrations to mark the Platinum Jubilee this year which, alongside the pudding competition, includes street parties, a concert and a huge street parade. On 6th February, the Queen will have reigned for 70 years - she's the first British monarch to reach the milestone.
British Value: Mutual Respect - There are many different events people choose to celebrate. Some events might celebrate our beliefs, things that are important to us or our achievements. Not everybody celebrates the same things and we respect that.
Week Commencing: 24th January 2022
Focus Question: Should everyone learn sign language?
News Story: Ever since Rose Ayling-Ellis became the first deaf contestant to compete in Strictly Come Dancing, the number of people wanting to learn British Sign Language (BSL) has surged. One half of the overall winning couple, Rose was frequently seen using sign language on the show and she used a translator to interpret what others were saying.
British Value: Democracy - We all have a voice and can share our opinions. Sometimes raising awareness of an issue, such as British Sign Language having no legal status in the UK, can make an impact.
Week Commencing: 17th January 2022
Focus Question: Is it ever fair to judge others on their appearance?
News Story: The Chinese authorities have banned footballers from getting tattoos and instructed national team players, who already have tattoos, to remove them or cover them up to set a “good example for society”. A growing number of Chinese players have tattoos, including the international defender Zhang Linpeng, who has previously been told to cover up while appearing for the national team and his club, Guangzhou FC.
British Value: Mutual Respect - We all have a unique appearance! It is important that we understand and respect that not everyone is the same.
Week Commencing: 10th January 2022
Focus Question: Do you think it’s important for us to know the history of our universe?
News Story: The $10bn (£7.45bn) James Webb Space Telescope, thought to be one of the most impressive and ambitious, has been sent into space on top of a huge rocket. On Christmas Day, scientists confirmed that the observatory, which has faced many delays, was operating well following a nerve-wracking lift-off. Described as a time machine by scientists, the telescope will allow astronomers to study the beginning of the universe shortly after the Big Bang,13.8 billion years ago, and to hunt for signs of life-supporting planets in our own galaxy.
British Value: Individual Liberty - We all have the right to learn about the universe if we choose to. The James Webb Space Telescope may help us discover more than we ever have before!
Week Commencing: 3rd January 2022
Focus Question: Should more of our earning take place outside?
News Story: A recent pilot project, called Growing Among Trees, provided outdoor activities for urban schools around London and sought to create a model for effective and transformational change in urban schools, giving pupils the opportunity for everyday connection with nature. The Outward Bound Trust, who run outdoor trips and experiences such as white water rafting and climbing agree, saying outdoor learning should be a priority for children following increased time indoors during the pandemic.
British Value: Individual Liberty - There are many benefits of being outside and learning from the natural world around us. We can choose to take the opportunities that arise to get us outdoors and connect us with nature.
Week Commencing: 13th December 2021
Focus Question: What are school performances for?
News Story: School nativity plays and musical concerts have taken place in various formats this year, with some schools hosting events entirely online, others taking a hybrid approach and some even opting for performances outdoors. Health minister, Edward Argar, has said festive plays in school are “important to young people who’ve had a rough time” during the Covid-19 pandemic.
British Value: Rule of Law - Laws, rules or guidance sometimes change to help keep us safe so we may have to alter the way we do things. We can adapt the way we perform our school plays and concerts this year so they can still go ahead.
Week Commencing: 6th December 2021
Focus Question: Do we need to create a virtual universe?
News Story: Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg has announced Meta, a new company brand for Facebook apps and technologies. Meta recently declared that they’re changing direction from developing social media platforms to building what they’re calling the next version of the internet. They’ve described the metaverse as a way of using the internet through virtual reality (VR). Instead of being on a computer, the concept means the user would use a VR headset to access websites and interact with others.
British Value: Tolerance - People have different ideas and opinions of how virtual reality could impact our world. It is important to tolerate and accept these ideas and opinions even if they differ from our own.
Week Commencing: 29th November 2021
Focus Question: Is the world a better place when we lead a more natural life?
News Story: Brazil's indigenous people came together at COP26 earlier this month to share their message, that the world needs their expertise in protecting the Amazon rainforest. They have said they face increasing threats from loggers and miners. Their way of life is being threatened and huge areas of forest are being destroyed. It’s thought that indigenous leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean protect around an eighth of all the carbon stored by tropical rainforests across the world.
British Value: Mutual Respect - The Munduruku are indigenous people, who live in parts of Brazil. Their life is different from ours but we understand and respect that.
Week Commencing: 22nd November 2021
Focus Question: Should we be allowed to swim with dolphins?
News Story: Travel company, Expedia, has banned the sale of holidays involving dolphins and whales. The decision follows calls led by public figures such as Joanna Lumley and the Prime Minister’s wife, Carrie Johnson, for an end to holidaymakers swimming with captive creatures or watching them perform tricks.
British Value: Democracy - Travel company, Expedia, has banned the sale of holidays involving dolphins or whales. Some people may agree with this; others may not. We all have a voice, we can share our opinions and we can listen to the opinion of others.
Week Commencing: 15th November 2021
Focus Question: Do we need to experience danger to learn how to be safe?
News Story: A German professor believes that secure playgrounds prevent young people from finding out important dangers during their early years. Rolf Schwarz, from Karlsruhe College of Schooling in Germany, argued that ‘we want to permit youngsters to return into touch with threat’. Built in 2018, a very high climbing tower, with many risky obstacles in Berlin-Frohnau’s Ludwig Lesser Park is an example of a trend that has become popular in Germany over the last five years.
British Value: Individual Liberty - As well as being fun, playgrounds can be a great place for us to learn. We can learn to manage risks and take responsibility for our actions.
Week Commencing: 8th November 2021.
Focus Question: Should we do more to protect elephants?
News Story: A new study published in Science magazine found that in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, a rare genetic condition, that causes tuskless elephants, has become more common. Ivory poaching has pushed the species to the brink of extinction but the few tuskless elephants left could now increase in numbers. In 1969, Gorongosa National Park was home to over 2200 elephants, but now there are just over 700 in the Park.
British Value: Individual Liberty - It is important to remember our actions may have consequences. The actions of poachers have caused an increasing number of elephants being born without tusks.
Week Commencing: 1st November 2021.
Focus Question: What are the best ways to tackle climate change?
News Story: The COP26 climate summit, one of the biggest ever world meetings on how to tackle climate change, is taking place between 31st October and 12th November 2021 and is being held in Glasgow. Prior to the summit, most countries set out their plans to reduce emissions. The Queen spoke out before the start of the event, saying she is irritated by the lack of progress on climate issues. The 95-year-old monarch spoke after the opening of the Senedd in Cardiff as she criticised those who "talk but don't do"
British Value: Rule of Law - Most countries have rules and laws that have been put in place to tackle climate change. The COP26 climate summit brings world leaders together as although their rules and laws may vary, their aim is the same.
Week Commencing: 18th October 2021
Focus Question: Is it important that all our achievements and good deeds are recognised?
News Story: This year’s Nobel Prize winners have been announced and include two American scientists, who discovered how we feel physical pain and pleasure, winning the 2021 Nobel Prize for medicine. The annual awards take place in Sweden and there are six subject areas: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics. Each Nobel award comes with a gold medal and a prize of 10 million Swedish krona (about £840,000).
British Value: Individual Liberty - People who win Nobel Prizes have made choices to produce work that benefits humankind. We can make choices that can benefit others too.
Week Commencing: 11th October 2021
This Week’s Focus Question: What does a good role model look like?
News Story: Children’s TV channel CBeebies has hired George Webster as its first ever presenter with Down’s syndrome. The 20-year-old, from Leeds, is an actor, dancer and ambassador for the disability charity, Mencap. In a video posted on social media, he said, “I feel so proud and I’m feeling so excited to start”, adding that he was looking forward to cooking and dancing in his new role.
British Value: Tolerance - We all have different opinions, beliefs and values so our role models will be different too. Being tolerant of our differences means people feel accepted and free to be who they want to be.
Week Commencing: 11th October 2021
Focus Question: Why is Black History month important?
News Story: Now in its 34th year, Black History Month has launched in the UK with many events taking place in October. This year’s campaign encourages people of all ages to share what they are ‘Proud to Be’ both online and with others with a focus on black British resistance to racism – inspired in part, by last summer’s Black Lives Matter protests. It aims to celebrate key figures who have made substantial contributions to the country. Local authorities across the UK, including the London borough of Barking and Dagenham and West Northamptonshire council, will raise the pan-African flag to mark the start of Black History Month.
A Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank you that in you we have the perfect role model. We thank you for your wisdom, bravery, and courage. We ask that you help us to be courageous, to be the best version of ourselves and to seek help when we need it so that we can all be a great community that supports each other. We ask that you help us stand up to poverty, to discrimination and to injustice. We pray that you equip us to become more like you. Amen.
Week Commencing: 4th October 2021
Focus Question: What would encourage you to use public transport?
News Story: Encouraging people to use buses more often is to be a central part of the Government’s plan to reach net zero by 2050. Bus stops will be heated and have changing rooms and Wi-Fi in a bid to create eco-friendly park and rides for cyclists. They will also act as a focal point for cyclists, electric car drivers and rail commuters to switch easily between different modes of transport, with bosses calling the new stops mobility hubs.
British Value: Democracy - People aged 18 or over vote for who they want to govern our country. Our Government makes decisions for the country. Mobility hubs form part of the Government’s plan to reach net zero by 2050.
Week Commencing: 27th September 2021
Focus Question: Should disposable face masks be banned?
News Story: It is estimated that people in Britain are sending over 1.6 billion non-biodegradable face masks to landfill every single month, according to research conducted by shopping comparison site, finder.com. To reduce this, a new scheme has been introduced in Brighton and Hove to recycle face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE). Special bins have been installed to reduce the amount of PPE litter, which is used to make more bins and other plastic items.
British Value: Individual Liberty - We can choose whether to use reusable or disposable items such as face masks. It is important to consider a number of factors, including the environment, when we make our choices.
Week Commencing: 20th September 2021
Focus Question: How does facing disasters change us?
News Story: Following the trail of devastation left by Hurricane Ida across parts of North America, US President Biden declared that ‘historic investment’ is needed to deal with the impact of climate crisis. He has blamed climate change for what’s happened and believes the country needs to be better prepared for extreme weather. Hurricane Ida tore across more than 1,500 miles of the USA and was one of the most well-forecast storms in recent memory, causing catastrophic flooding and destroying buildings in its wake.
British Value: Rule of Law - Governments have safety rules and laws in place to reduce the risk of disasters occurring. Sometimes a natural disaster is beyond our control. It is how we respond during and afterwards that is important.
Week Commencing: 13th September 2021
Focus Question: How would you feel if you had to leave your home?
News Story: The people in Afghanistan are now under Taliban leadership following the collapse of the country's government, the UK has introduced a new resettlement scheme for Afghan refugees, aimed at helping those most in need. The new scheme is offering up to 20,000 Afghans a route to set up home in the UK over the next few years.
British Value: Individual Liberty - We all have the right to live somewhere safe. We can choose to help refugees, who have had to leave their country, homes and lives behind them.
Week Commencing: 6th September 2021
Focus Question: Can the Paralympics help us to become more inclusive of others?
News Story: Over the past two weeks the Paralympics have taken place in Tokyo, following the postponed 2020 Olympics. The event has featured athletes with disabilities competing in 539 events, across 22 different sports. Ahead of the games, ParalympicsGB launched a campaign to make disabled people Impossible to Ignore. The initiative was developed after research showed Paralympic athletes are key to challenging perceptions of disability in the UK.
British Value: Mutual Respect - We know that life is not always the same for everybody. The Paralympics is an event for people who have a disability to compete in sports and become champions!
Week Commencing: 6th September 2021
Focus Question: What’s happening in Afghanistan?
News Story: A military group called the Taliban has taken control of the capital city of Kabul in the South-Central Asian country of Afghanistan. The country has been caught in war and fighting for decades. The Taliban are a military group that have been fighting for power in the country. Lots of people are concerned about what this takeover by the Taliban could mean both for people in Afghanistan and in other parts of the world.
Week Commencing: 12th July 2021
Focus Question: Are we all reflected in the books we read?
News Story: New research has shown that fewer than 1% of authors that feature in exam texts in English secondary schools are from an ethnic minority background. The publisher, Penguin and the Runnymede Trust, analysed data from exam boards relating to more than half a million pupils in England. Other research conducted by BookTrust Research and CLPE last year, showed that the number of children’s books published in the UK between 2017 and 2019 featuring characters from an ethnic minority background was 10%
British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance. Reading books from a diverse range of authors helps us to understand that life is not the same for everyone. We can learn to respect people’s different cultures, faiths and beliefs from books.
Week Commencing: 5th July 2021
Focus Question: Are some places around the world more important than others?
News Story: UNESCO (the United Nations cultural body) has said that the Great Barrier Reef in Australia should be put on a list of World Heritage Sites that are ‘in danger’ due to damage caused by climate change. The world's biggest coral reef system has suffered several bleaching events in the past five years, which caused widespread loss of coral. Scientists say the main reason is rising sea temperatures as a result of global warming, caused by the burning of fossil fuels. UNESCO has urged Australia to take further action on global warming.
British Value: Mutual Respect - Climate change is causing our oceans to get warmer. We can all help to protect the special places in our world.
Week Commencing: 28th June 2021
Focus Question: What life skills should we learn at school?
News Story: Players, teams and fans have sent messages of support to Christian Eriksen after the football player collapsed just before half-time in Denmark's opening Euro 2020 game. The team’s captain, Simon Kjaer is being hailed a hero for carrying out a swift and potentially life-saving response. The game was suspended as he was given treatment on the pitch and eventually taken to a nearby hospital, where he's recovering well.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Learning new life skills helps us to make better choices about how we live our lives and how we manage risk.
Week Commencing: 21st June 2021
Focus Question: Should e-scooters be allowed on our roads?
News Story: The electric scooters, also known as e-scooters, are now available to rent in selected areas of London as part of a one-year scheme to measure their feasibility. As part of the trial, conducted by TFL (Transport for London) and London councils, the scooters are banned on pavements and limited to 15.5mph. Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal on most roads and cycle lanes due to a law dating back to the 1800s.
British Value: Rule of Law - There are laws in place so that people use e-scooters safely. If e-scooters become more popular in the future, laws may have to change to protect members of the public.
Week Commencing: 14th June 2021
Focus Question: Should sports stars be expected to give interviews?
News Story: The world number two female tennis player, Naomi Osaka, has withdrawn from the French Open tennis tournament after the controversy over her refusal to speak to the media at the tournament. She announced her decision in a recent Twitter post. The 23-year-old Japanese player said last week she would not do news conferences at the event to protect her mental health.
British Value: Mutual Respect and Tolerance - Some people have more confidence to speak in public than others. It is helpful to work as a team and give others our support if some of our classmates find it more difficult.
Week Commencing: 7th 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: 24th 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: 17th 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: 10th 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: 3rd 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: 26th 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: 19th 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: 15th 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: 8th 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: 1st 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: 22nd 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: 25th 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: 18th 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: 11th 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: 4th 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: 7th 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: 30th 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: 23rd 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: 16th 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: 9th 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: 2nd 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: 19th 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: 12th 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: 5th 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: 28th 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: 21st 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: 14th 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: 7th 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: 31st 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: 20th 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: 13th 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: 6th 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: 29th 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: 15th 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: 8th 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: 1st 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: 18th 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: 11th 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: 4th 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: 27th 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: 27th 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: 20th 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: 13th 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: 6th 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: 30th 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: 23rd 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: 16th 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: 9th 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: 2nd 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: 24th 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: 10th 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: 3rd 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: 27th 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: 20th 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: 13th 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: 6th 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: 9th 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: 2nd 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: 25th 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: 18th 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: 11th 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: 4th 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: 21st 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: 14th 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: 7th 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: 30th 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: 23rd 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: 16th 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: 9th 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: 2nd 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: 15th 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: 8th 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: 1st 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: 24th 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: 17th 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: 10th 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: 3rdJune 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: 20th 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: 13th 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: 6th 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: 29th 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: 23rd 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: 15th 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: 22nd 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: 18th 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: 11th 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: 4th 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: 25th 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: 11th 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: 4th 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: 28th 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: 21st 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: 14th 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: 7th 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: 17th 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: 10th 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: 3rd 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: 26th 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: 12th 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: 5th 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: 29th 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: 15th 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: 8th 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: 1stOctober 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: 24thSeptember 2018
Focus Question: How different would life be without information at our fingertips?
News Story: September 27th, 2018 marks the 20th birthday of the biggest search engine in the world, Google. Twenty years ago, two students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin formed Google, Inc. for incorporation in the garage of their friend Susan Wojcicki. Over the next 20 years the search engine became the cornerstone of a digital empire that covers everything from images, maps, translation, video-streaming, tech accessories, smartphones, internet browser, and even driverless cars.
British Value: Respect: Google and other search engines can be very powerful and empowering, but with great power comes responsibility. It’s important to show respect and consideration when we use this technology.
Week Commencing:17th September 2018
Focus Question: Should we give money to the homeless?
News Story:More than 300,000 people in Britain (one in every 200 people), are officially recorded as homeless, according to figures recently released by the charity Shelter. This is an increase of 13,000 over the past year. Last month, the government announced its strategy in response to the problem, the Homelessness Reduction Act, which comes into force next year. This requires local authorities to take steps to prevent households at risk of homelessness tipping into crisis.
British Value:The number of people who are homeless in the UK is increasing. As we head towards winter, it is a difficult time to be without shelter and warmth. If we want to help, we can make choices about how we help, through donating to charities, raising awareness or giving our time volunteering.
Week Commencing: 10th September 2018
Focus Question: Is our help always wanted?
News Story:Dr Amy Kavanagh is a visually impaired activist and campaigner who has recently launched the #JustAskDontGrab campaign to help change the way people interact with those with disabilities. She says that while people with disabilities often receive well-meaning offers of assistance, they're not always in the most helpful way. She started the Just Ask Don't Grab campaign to explain how best to assist disabled people. She says there's one golden rule: just ask. If you see somebody and you think they might need help, don't jump in and grab them.
British Value:Before we help someone who we think may need our assistance, it’s always important to ask first. They may not need or want our help. We should treat everyone with the same respect we’d like to be shown!
Week Commencing: 3rdSeptember 2018
Focus Question: What would you say to your family after 70 years apart?
News Story: North and South Korean families have been reunited for the first time in nearly 70 years. A three-day reunion took place at North Korea's Mount Kumgang resort. Emotions ran high as mothers and children were reunited for the first time in 70 years. The reunions follow much better relationships between North and South Korea in recent months. Many Korean families were divided by the war nearly seventy years ago.
British Value:Rule of Law: All countries have different laws and rights for the people who live there. Some families may become separated due to war, conflict or laws beyond their control. When countries can make peace, it can provide opportunities for families to be reunited
Week Commencing: 16th July 2018
Focus Question: What would you find most difficult about being trapped?
News Story: Cave divers in Thailand took part in a high-risk operation to extract a team of young football players and their coach from a flooded cave.
British Value: Democracy - It was a race against time to rescue a young football team and their coach. Balanced and quick decisions had to be agreed and reached by experts to ensure their safety.
Week Commencing: 9th July 2018
Focus Question: Should we pay to visit the doctor?
News Story:On the 5th July, the NHS celebrated its 70th birthday. Prior to this, thousands of demonstrators took part in a march outside Downing Street in central London to celebrate the anniversary of the National Health Service.
British Value:Mutual Respect - The NHS has come to embody values of fairness, compassion and equality. The NHS believes in working together, respect and dignity, improving lives, commitment to quality of care and everyone counts!
Week Commencing: 2nd July 2018
Focus Question: Who should decide what we eat and drink?
News Story:New proposals to try to increase healthy eating for children and to halve childhood obesity have been announced by the Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt. They build on the existing work to try to help families make healthier food choices.
British Value:The Rule of Law - The government and other adults, who are responsible for us, care about what we eat as it can affect how we live and grow. Sometimes, there may be certain foods or drinks that we aren’t able to have – this is to keep us fit and well!
Week Commencing: 25th June 2018
Focus Question: Are computer games damaging our health?
News Story:For a lot of young people, playing computer games is an enjoyable hobby and a fun way to spend time with friends. However, for some it can become more than that. Gaming addiction has been listed as a mental health condition for the first time by the World Health Organisation.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Computer games and other hobbies can be great fun but it is important they don’t take over our lives. We have to be responsible for our own wellbeing and enjoy a range of interests and activities.
Week Commencing: 18th June 2018
Focus Question: How can football change the world?
News Story: Iceland are the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup and will be looking to repeat their heroics from the 2016 European Championship, where they knocked out England. Iceland have spent a lot of their funding on promoting and encouraging football.
British Value:Tolerance - Football can help us to understand others - in playgrounds, parks and stadiums around the world. Football is a common language that has helped people around the world to better understand each other!
Week Commencing: 11th June 2018
Focus Question: Do we still need toy shops?
News Story: It was announced earlier in the year that the well-known toy shop chain Toys R Us was to go into administration, with 100 UK stores being closed down.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Toy shops may not be as popular as they used to be, but we can all choose where and how we shop. There are many local toy shops that we can choose to visit and this also helps support smaller businesses!
Week Commencing: 4th June 2018
Focus Question: Will laws be enough to protect our elephants?
News Story: A law called the Ivory Bill has been introduced to Parliament and it aims to make it illegal to buy or sell almost all ivory in the UK. It is currently legal to buy and sell certain kinds.
British Value:The Rule of Law - Laws are introduced for many reasons, one of which is to protect. Recently proposed laws aim to help protect elephants by stopping people from buying and selling products made from their tusks.
Week Commencing:21st May 2018
Focus Question: Should school be allowed to choose their pupils?
News Story: News that grammar schools are to be handed £50 million to help create more school places has been met with a mixed reaction. Unlike non- selective schools, grammars are state-funded secondary schools that admit pupils based on their academic ability.
British Value: Democracy - Schools have to ensure that they are fair to all pupils who attend. When families are thinking about which schools would be best, schools must ensure they are fair and consistent to all who apply.
Week Commencing: 14th May 2018
Focus Question: How might our lives be different if were unable to hear?
News Story: Deaf Awareness Week is held this year on the 14th-20th May and the theme for the week is ‘Connect and Communicate’. Many events to raise awareness have taken place including several Great British Dog Walks, charity dog walks in aid of Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.
British Value: Rule of Law - The Equality Act 2010 is the law that bans discrimination and helps achieve equal opportunities in the workplace and in wider society. This means people with hearing loss must be treated fairly and not excluded.
Week Commencing: 7th May 2018
Focus Question: Should we always forgive?
News Story: North and South Korea have a long history of not getting on. Despite being neighbouring countries, there has been a lot of tension and threats of war.
British Value:Tolerance - We won't always agree with everyone around us and at times we might do or say things we regret. As we would hope others to forgive us for our mistakes, it is important we too accept and forgive the mistakes of others, move on and look forward.
Week Commencing: 30th April 2018
Focus Question: How do our families shape who we are?
News Story: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced the safe arrival of their third child last week.
British Value:Mutual Respect - Families can be big or small, live close by or far away and we might get on well or sometimes fall out! What we all have in common, is that all our families are different! It’s important we do our best to take care of each other and show respect to our family members.
Week Commencing: 23rd April 2018
Focus Question: What does loneliness feel like?
News Story: The UK has a loneliness problem and it’s getting worse. The UK government even appointed a loneliness minister at the start of the year to tackle the problem.
British Value: Mutual Respect - It’s important to spot the signs of loneliness and look out for those who are lonely. If we experience loneliness ourselves, we should tell those around us and get the support we need.
Week Commencing: 16th April 2018
Focus Question: How much of our lives should we share with others?
News Story: Facebook, which is the largest social media platform in the world with around 2 billion users, has announced that nearly all of its users’ private information has been accessed without their permission.
British Value: Rule of Law - Social media networks, just like their users, have laws to follow to ensure any information that we share is protected to keep us safe. However, we must make sure we understand these laws and take precautions to keep ourselves safe online.
Week Commencing: 9th April 2018
Focus Question: Who does the world belong to?
News Story: The last male northern white rhino has died, the conservation organisation in Kenya caring for the animal announced last month, leaving only two remaining white rhinos in existence.
British Value: Respect - The world we live in is home to over 8 million different species and is thought to have been around for billions of years! It is vital that we treat it with respect, thinking about how we live and the impact that the decisions we make can have on the world around us.
Week Commencing: 26th March 2018
Focus Question: Where do you call home?
News Story: In the barren hills of southern Bangladesh lies the home of the world’s biggest refugee camp, a temporary home to more than half a million people.
British Value:Tolerance - Having a sense of belonging and feeling safe is a fundamental human right. Although we don’t have control of how other countries are run, we can be sure to make everyone who we interact with, feel welcome in our own community and homes.
Week Commencing: 19th March 2018
Focus Question: Is homework worthwhile?
News Story: Recent research from the educational charity, the Varkey Foundation, has shown that parents in the UK spend less time helping with homework and school projects than those in almost any other country. They questioned more than 30,000 children aged between 4 and 18.
British Value: Mutual Respect - It’s important to respect the decisions made by our schools and teachers about the homework we are given. Homework should always help us become better learners. If we ever feel under too much pressure with our work, we must know that there will be someone in school who will help.
Week Commencing: 12th March 2018
Focus Question: Do we take water for granted?
News Story: In this week’s poster, residents queue for water at a natural spring in Cape Town, South Africa. There have been growing tensions and one arrest at the spring where people go to collect water because of a severe drought in South Africa's drought-hit city of Cape Town.
British Value: The Rule of Law - The very serious droughts in Cape Town, South Africa have meant that rules are in place to ensure that the little water that is left is used sensibly. In the UK, droughts are rare, but it is still important to ensure we are grateful for the water we have and think about our own consumption.
Week Commencing: 5th March 2018
Focus Question: Do appearances matter?
News Story: A school has banned a haircut known as the ‘Meet me at McDonald’s’ and warned pupils they may be sent home or taught separately until their hair is restyled.
British Value: We are all different! What we look like, both the things we have control over and those that we don’t, aren’t nearly as important as how we treat others and how we behave – these are much better reflections of who we are!
Week Commencing: 25th February 2018
Focus Question: Whose responsibility is it to make sure that trade is fair?
News Story: This week and next week, it’s Fairtrade Fortnight which aims to put a spotlight on trade. When trade is fair it has the potential to improve the lives of the farmers and workers who grow our food. When trade is fair, it can make the world a better place.
British Value: Individual Liberty - It’s easy to buy things without thinking about where they’ve come from. It’s everyone’s responsibility to make sure what we buy has come from a safe and sustainable source.
Week Commencing: 19th February 2018
Focus Question: Does what we watch influence our behaviour?
News Story: The makers of the new Peter Rabbit film have apologised for a scene that’s offended allergy sufferers and some parents.
British Value: Mutual Respect - We all have differences that make us unique. Sometimes, our differences may mean that we need to do things differently to make sure we stay safe.
Week Commencing: 12th February 2018
Focus Question: Is it important to celebrate traditions?
News Story: This year’s Rio de Janeiro Carnival, held in Brazil, takes place from February 9th to 13th, and is expected to be the largest ever, and raise over £2.4b
British Value: Tolerance of Different Cultures - We all celebrate different traditions and we can learn a lot from each other.
Week Commencing: 5th February 2018
Focus Question: Do we need to be resilient to succeed?
News Story:The 5th-11th February 2018 is Children’s Mental Health Week. Last Tuesday, MPs heard testimony on the subject of transforming children and young people’s mental health.
British Value: Individual Liberty - It’s up to us how we respond when things go wrong or become challenging. We can choose to be positive, try our best and keep going for as long as we can!
Week Commencing: 29th January 2018
Focus Question: Does money make people happy?
News Story: According to a study conducted by the charity Oxfam released last week, the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer – and at an alarming rate.
British Value: Democracy - The UK is one of the most privileged countries in the world. Living in a democracy means we have many choices, including a say in how money is spent to help us all with things like education and healthcare.
Week Commencing: 22nd January 2018
Focus Question: How can you stay calm when you feel scared or worried?
News Story: A recent incoming emergency alert plunged residents of Hawaii into panic last week before it was declared to be false. An alert system is in place because of the potential proximity of Hawaii to North Korea.
British Value: Mutual Respect - All of our behaviours and actions impact on those around us. When we are faced with a scary or unknown situation, we must try to stay as calm as we can.
Week Commencing: 15th January 2018
Focus Question: Why do some people cheat?
News Story: Exam regulator Ofqual have said that nearly 3,000 penalties were awarded to students for cheating in 2017 compared with just over 2,000 in 2016 in their data released last week.
British Value: Individual Liberty - We will go through many different tests in our lives. There may be a temptation, at times, to take the easy path by copying someone else’s work and finding dishonest shortcuts.
Week Commencing: 8th January 2018
Focus Question: Should we always be allowed to say whatever we like?
News Story: On the 1stJanuary, it became illegal in Germany to write or publish ‘hateful material’ online under the new hate speech law which has been under discussion since the middle of 2017.
British Value: Rule of Law - Most things we are able to speak freely about and discuss our opinions openly. Some words however, can be hateful and damaging so we must respect the laws to stop this.
Week Commencing: 1st January 2018
Focus Question: Why do people make New Year’s resolutions?
News Story: Now that the New Year is upon us, it’s often a time for many to make New Year’s resolutions. Every New Year seems to bring many new resolutions and challenges. Keeping resolutions can be difficult, if not impossible.
British Value: Individual Liberty - Whether or not we make resolutions this New Year, we make lots of choices every day that affect our own lives and those around us.
Week Commencing: 18th December 2017
Focus Question: Do more people need help at Christmas time?
News Story: British supermarket Aldi has launched a campaign to donate food to the less fortunate this Christmas.
British Value: Mutual Respect - By helping others who perhaps are going through difficulties or are less fortunate than us, we are showing care and respect for how we would like to be treated.
Week Commencing: 11th December 2017
Focus Question: Should young people have jobs?
News Story: The number of schoolchildren with a part-time job has fallen by a fifth in the past five years, new figures show.
British Value: Individual Liberty - As we get older, we will make choices on jobs or work experience we choose to undertake.
Week Commencing: 4th December 2017
Focus Question: Can you imagine living a life of uncertainty?
News Story: The new president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been officially sworn in. The country's new leader is the former vice-president. He came to power after former leader, Robert Mugabe, stepped down after being president for 37 years.
British Value: Democracy - Democracy is important and contributes to a fair and happy society. When people don’t feel that there is democracy, it can lead to unsettled and difficult periods where people worry about what might happen next.
Week Commencing: 27th November 2017
Focus Question: Is life more exciting when we take risks?
News Story: Explorer Benedict Allen has recently been found after he was reported missing while searching for an indigenous tribe in Papua New Guinea. The BBC reported that he had requested rescue after being seen near an airstrip and was described as being ‘alive and well’.
British Value: Rule of Law - Different environments and places may have different laws and rules. These are in place to ensure we are kept safe and to minimise the dangers of any risks we may take.
Week Commencing: 20th November 2017
Focus Question: Should we change how we live to help protect our oceans?
News Story: Blue Planet II is currently one of the most watched TV programmes and has left millions of us in awe at the beauty and incredible diversity of the life in our oceans. However, a recent report shows that all sea life will be affected because carbon dioxide emissions from modern society are making the oceans more acidic.
British Value:Individual Liberty - Our oceans provide us with much of the air we breathe and are key for our survival. We should choose to play our part in protecting them by making small changes that can make a difference.
Week Commencing: 13th November 2017
Focus Question: Should we always speak up if someone is being bullied?
News Story: Marathon runner Ben Smith has recently launched his own foundation ‘The 401 Foundation’ to raise awareness of bullying through events and fundraising, often doing talks at schools, most recently at Cokethorpe School in Oxford last week.
British Value: Tolerance - Bullying isn’t always easy to spot, but if we are aware of someone who is being bullied or if we feel something isn’t right, we will speak out and not let it happen around us.
Week Commencing: 6th November 2017
Focus Question: Does thinking positively help when times are hard?
News Story: The authorities in the war-torn city of Kabul in Afghanistan have invested money in painting the houses in some of the hilltop villages in the countryside. The idea is to boost happiness in the area by creating a sense of pride and community by bringing people together.
British Value: Mutual Respect - We will all face challenges and times of difficulty at different times. We must understand and support each other and try our best to remain positive both for ourselves and for those around us.
Week Commencing: 30thOctober 2017
Focus Question: Should we teach robots how to think?
News Story: Google's DeepMind have announced this week that they have made another big advance by enabling a robot to master the Chinese game of ‘Go’ independent from humans. Many of us are not used to the idea of machines making decisions for themselves, but the day when they will do this by themselves is likely to arrive sooner than we might think.
British Value: Rule of Law - Artificial technology, including robots will need to follow strict rules to ensure we are protected.
Week Commencing: 23rd October 2017
Focus Question: Do we value our neighbours?
News Story: This week is One World Week, a UK Charity who each year choose a different focus looking at global issues. This year’s focus is ‘Good Neighbours’.
British Value: Being a good neighbour means more than just being quiet. It is actively looking out for our neighbours to ensure we are helpful, kind and that their needs are met.
Week Commencing: 16thOctober 2017
Focus Question: When is it important to show respect?
News Story: Many sports stars including American football players have been objecting against unfairness and police violence in America towards minority groups by kneeling during the national anthem to support and show respect towards those who they feel don’t have a voice.
British Value: Showing respect towards others is important because it shows we value one another as human beings. Respect can be shown in lots of different ways, including kindness, support and being polite.
Week Commencing: 11thOctober 2017
Focus Question: Should we always stand up for what we believe in?
News Story: On Sunday, 1 October, there was a vote in an area of Spain called Catalonia over whether the region should be an independent country. It is currently officially part of Spain.
British Value: Democracy - It’s important to remember what we believe in and to make sure we stand up for ourselves and others around us if we believe something isn’t fair.
Week Commencing: 4th October 2017
Focus Question: Do you always feel that you belong?
News Story: Sheza Hasan, who is a mother from Canada, came home last week and was surprised to find a mysterious box had been left on her front doorstep full of dolls wearing Hijabs.
British Value: We are all unique, with different beliefs and opinions. Together, this makes our community a rich and vibrant one full of diversity. Both our similarities and differences should be celebrated as they make us who we are!
Week Commencing: 27th September 2017
Focus Question: How safe are the toys we buy
News Story: Every day, we make lots of choices. Some of those will affect the safety of ourselves and others. It’s important that we make sensible decisions with resources and toys that we may need to take extra care with.
British Value:Every day, we make lots of choices. Some of those will affect the safety of ourselves and others. It’s important that we make sensible decisions with resources and toys that we may need to take extra care with.
Week Commencing: 20th September 2017
Focus Question: How can hope triumph after times of great difficulty?
News Story: The Invictus Games is being held into Toronto and is a competition for wounded servicemen and soldiers from around the world.
British Value: Mutual respect, tolerance and celebrating those who are different from ourselves.
Week Commencing: 13th September 2017
Focus Question: How important is it to have a Royal Family?
News Story: Following the announcement that there will be a new Royal baby, we look at the historical and present role of our Royal Family.
British Value: In the earliest times, the Royal Family were key figures in the enforcement of law, known as the ‘Fount of Justice’. Today, the Royal Family still retains an important role, helping to strengthen national unity and stability.