How was it used?

The educational goal of this project was to use a series of resources which would encourage KS3 and 4 pupils to develop their Speaking and Listening skills, whilst looking at contemporary 21^st century issues, the pupils could engage with. Thinking skills were also a significant factor within these units.

This project has benefitted pupils significantly. When used for PSE it gave a structure and enthusiasm to a subject area which can be seen as ‘extra-curricular’. Within English it has stimulated pupils and facilitated group discussion. The thinking skills activities are particularly good for fostering group collaboration in the classroom. The subject matter is very inspiring and pupils of different gender, ethnicity, age etc. can all relate to the issues raised in this resource.

Impact and Outcomes

• All of the activities leant themselves to developing the pupils’ thinking and reasoning skills – as they were placed in groups to discuss the issues raised by the resource before sharing the group’s ideas with the rest of the class. This also enhanced their communication skills as they had to produce reasoned arguments.
• The resources had a major impact on participation – even boys who would not normally want to be actively involved in the lesson were eager to offer their opinions and be heard.
• The nature of the resources meant that all pupils felt that they could have a voice – as they did not have to worry about ‘being right’. They had been told at the start of the lesson

Learner Feedback

It was great that we could talk about stuff that affects us and talk about how grown ups see us.

I loved the cartoons – I wish all lessons were like this

This wasn’t like work

Lessons Learnt

I was a bit wary of the resource at first as I thought that some of the boys may be a bit silly – but the guidance provided with the teacher notes gave me the confidence to give it a go. I was amazed at how well all of the class responded to the content.