Recommended Resources for Secondary Schools

This selection of books would form the 'core' resource for developing the global dimension in the secondary school curriculum. Underlying the idea of the global dimension to the curriculum are 8 key concepts.  These provide a conceptual framework for thinking about building them into the curriculum. They are :

  • global citizenship
  • conflict resolution
  • values and perceptions
  • sustainable development
  • interdependence
  • human rights
  • diversity
  • social justice

Global Citizenship

Gaining the knowledge, skills and understanding of concepts and institutions necessary to become informed, active, responsible citizens.

Get Global!   A skills-based approach to active global citizenship.

Helps your pupils to learn to think for themselves, plan and participate in action, reflect on their performance, and assess their work with this innovative and colourful guide to active global citizenship.  This teachers' guide provides a unique six-step approach which can be adapted for use in any subject area and at different ages.  Details, step-by step lesson plans, examples of pupils' work, quotes from pupils and teachers, and a video help to guide you through this approach.
Age : 11-16    £15

Whose Citizenship ?....A Teacher's Toolkit  (Experiences from the West Midlands supporting Citizenship Education at Key Stage 3).

Whose Citizenship? is filled with inspirational practical ideas and starting points for applying a global approach to pupils' investigative work about local citizenship.  Based on a project in the West Midlands, the booklet has been developed b teachers and includes their insights on key principles and potential pitfalls.  Features:

  • Ideas and approaches that use newspapers, statistics, photos, and local visits – all of which can be adapted and extended to meet needs.
  • Photocopiable stimulus material to support discussion and debate.
  • Extensive list of further resources.
    Age : 11 -14    £9.25p

Conflict and Resolution

Understanding the nature of conflicts, their impact on development and why there is a need for resolution and the promotion of harmony.

Global Lines  - A citizenship teaching resource for secondary schools

This innovative teaching resources aims to help young people understand the world around them, and, in particular, to understand conflict situations.  It features:

  • Strong, well-presented case study material from Rwanda, Bosnia, and Northern Ireland
  • Extensive resource material, including role cards, signs, posters, information cards and maps
  • A wide range of photographs
  • Activities to analyse media coverage and understand the way photos are used by the press
  • Excellent coverage of the role of humanitarian agencies in conflict situations.
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Global Lines gives students the chance to develop a real understanding of, and skills to interpret, a wide range of social and humanitarian citizenship issues.
Age : 11-16+     £37.50  (Contains: Box file, ring binder containing 45 card A4 pages of teachers; resources, A3 poster, and A3 maps; 21 A5 postcards; CD Rom of additional images). 

Making Peace – Teaching about conflict and reconciliation at key stage 3 & 4

Making Peace provides an accessible and interesting approach to learning about conflict and post-conflict reconciliation.  It starts with pupils' own experiences of conflicts and how they can be resolved – and then explores the causes of and solutions to international conflicts.  Superbly clear photocopiable activity sheets are packed with diagrams, photos, and real-life testimonies from 16 young people in conflict zones, enabling pupils to consider issues such as community and security.
Age: 11-16   £11

Values and Perceptions

Developing a critical evaluation of representations of global issues and an appreciation of the effect these have on people's attitudes and values.

Images and Reality – A video pack for teachers

This unusual video pack teaches pupils to consider and challenge the way the developing world is respresented in the media.  This timely approach will not only teach young people about the developing world, but also help them become informed citizens.  Ideal for practical teaching, professional development or teacher training. 

Features:

  • Video introducing young people's perceptions of Africa
  • Teachers' booklet that includes fascinating classroom activities and lesson plans for geography, drama, and media studies.

Age:11-18     £17.50

Sustainable Development

Understanding the need to maintain and improve the quality of life now without damaging the planet for future generations. 

Climate Change – Local and Global (an enquiry approach)

This booklet takes a clear and imaginative look at climate change.  Developed by teacher groups, it provides a framework for stimulating pupils to think about this complex issue and answers the questions it raises.  Chapters cover what climate change is, why it matters and what we can do to minimise it, all interspersed with colourful photos, and debate points.  The booklet makes particular reference to the English curriculum at Key Stage 2 and 3, but it can easily be used and adapted for other contexts.
Age:  7-14      £11 

Lessons in Sustainability – What on earth is happening? How do we respond?

Created in response to the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, this handbook contains ideas and materials for teaching about sustainable development.  There are also suggestions for starting points, planning, methodology, and differentiation.  Topics covered include water, food, wasts and climate.
Age : 7-14     £8.25

Interdependence

Understanding how people, places, economies and environments are all inextricably interrelated, and that choices and events have repercussions on a global scale.

Dealing with Disasters – Teaching about disasters and development

A beautifully clear book about the causes and impacts of 'natural' disasters.  It teaches pupils to critically assess media coverage of disasters and to look behind the headlines.  An invaluable resource for tacking a complex subject, the book has background information on earthquakes, floods, food shortages, and hurricanes – alongside photocopiable activities case studies, high- quality photos, and maps.
Age : 11-14    £14 

Human Rights

Know about human rights including UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Our World, Our Rights

Bringing Human Rights to Life in Primary and Secondary Schools.  This substantial handbook contains everything you need to introduce the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to your classroom.  It's full of tried and tested lesson plans, games, quizzes and case studies for use across the curriculum.  The activities use active learning techniques to great effect, encouraging the participation of all pupils.
Age : 7-14      £20
 

Diversity

Understanding and respecting differences and relating these to our common humanity.

Citizenship and Muslim Perspectives – Teachers sharing ideas

It's incredibly important that students gain a balanced  view of the world, and this informative and colourful book helps them to do just that.  It enables students and teachers to explore their own values and attitudes, and how these are influenced by the world around us.  A thought-provoking and highly relevant way to introduce citizenship issues, includes:

  • Introduction to the key beliefs and practices of Islam
  • Information about Muslim communities in the UK and around the world
  • Practical activities designed to explore human rights, Citizenship and Islam with colour photographs and diagrams
  • Teacher tips for leading topical discussions, and a comprehensive resource list

Age : 14-19     £6.75
 

Social Justice

Understanding the importance of social justice as an element in both sustainable development and the improved welfare of all people. 

Who Decides?  Citizenship Through Geography

This pack focuses on two important global citizenship issues: conflict and peace-building and HIV/AIDS.  The wide range of activities encourages students to explore issues in their own lives and make links with the experiences of young people around the world.  This thoughtfully laid out and detailed pack provides useful background information and materials to engage the interests of students of all abilities.
Age :11-16     £24.10

Making Sense of World Conflicts

Activities and source materials for teaching English, Citizenship and PSE.  “ I thought this was an excellent resource which made pupils look outside their own sphere of experience.” (teacher who trialled this book).
This authoritative, insightful resource looks at the changing nature of conflicts in different parts of the world – and the link between conflict and poverty. Drawing on a wide range of source materials and including photos, media reports, and personal testimonies, it cover subjects as diverse as the arms trade, UK gun crime, and conflict resolution.  It encourages young people to think independently and critically through role-plays and debates;  Includes:

  • Lesson plans,
  • photocopiable activity sheets and
  • a wealth of background information.

Age : 13-17      £15

(The concept of Social Justice is inherent in all of these Publications).