British values
Democracy, rule of law, liberty, tolerance and respect: The Day Explorer has a strong archive of resources to support teachers who want to have meaningful discussions on British values.
Democracy
Use our resources with pupils to help develop “an understanding of how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process”.
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Anger as protests in Hong Kong turn violent
Will China ever be a democracy? This week, thousands took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest a controversial new law. “The people’s voices are not being heard,” said one teenager.
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The young people marching to save the planet
Would you go to a climate change protest? Last week, thousands of young people across Europe marched through the streets, demanding urgent action to protect the environment.
- Climate
- Reading Band 11
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Theresa May suffers biggest defeat in history
Who should decide the future of Brexit? This week, Parliament voted down Theresa May’s plan. It was the biggest defeat of any prime minister in history. What happens next? No one knows…
- Politics
- Reading Band 14+
The Rule of Law
Help students develop “an appreciation that living under the rule of law protects individual citizens and is essential for their wellbeing and safety”.
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Hundreds arrested in climate protests
Did the protesters go too far? This week, the Extinction Rebellion climate action group brought the city of London to a standstill. They wanted to get as many people arrested as possible.
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ISIS bride: people should have sympathy for me
Should Shamima Begum be allowed back to Britain? The teenager was 15 when she left London to join the terrorist group ISIS in Syria. Now, the government says that she cannot return home.
- Conflict
- Reading Band 14+
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Why the number of children in gangs is rising
How can we stop the spread of gangs? New research has found that over 30,000 youngsters in England and Wales belong to a gang. Once they are in, there is often no way out.
Individual liberty
Promote freedom of speech and help students to develop the confidence to express their views and their individuality.
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Online junk food ads could be banned before 9pm
Should junk food adverts be banned? This week, the UK government published plans to stop companies promoting unhealthy food before 9pm. It is part of a mission to prevent childhood obesity.
- Health
- Reading Band 11
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Kids save divided Britain in new Arthur film
Can a child really change the world? In The Kid Who Would Be King, 12-year-old Alex must take up King Arthur’s sword to fight an evil enchantress who returns when Britain is...
- Culture
- Reading Band 14+
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Schools in Finland say no to classrooms
Should schools get rid of classrooms? This is what some schools in Finland have done. Children there are taught in one big space instead. Not everyone thinks it is a good idea.
- Society
- Reading Band 5
Mutual respect
Help your students build “an understanding of the importance of identifying and combating discrimination”.
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The very model of a modern royal family
It is the picture that says more than any words. The 93-year-old Queen greets with delight her three-day-old great grandchild, the first part Afro-American baby in the British royal family.
- Society
- Reading Band 14+
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South Africans celebrate 25 years of freedom
Is Nelson Mandela’s work done? Twenty-five years ago, the hero activist was elected president, spelling an end to the racist apartheid era. However, South Africa is still deeply unequal.
- Conflict
- Reading Band 11
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Dr King’s dream still not a reality in America
Monday is Martin Luther King Day when the world honours the great human rights campaigner. His “I Have a Dream” speech changed America. Yet today the race debate is still as bitter as ever.
Religious tolerance
Do your students understand “that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law”? Use our articles with your pupils to help them develop a mutual respect for those with different faiths and beliefs.
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The Salah effect: How Mo is tackling prejudice
Can role models like Mo Salah turn the tide on Islamophobia? The Liverpool star has won the Champions League. Now, new research shows that he is also winning the fight against hate…
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The smiling boy who is set to be a saint
Do we need more modern-day saints? Carlo Acutis was a teenager and computer programmer who spent his life doing good. He died in 2006. Now he is on his way to becoming a Catholic saint.
- Society
- Reading Band 8
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Druids and dancing on the year’s longest day
Should we worship the sun? On June 21, the summer solstice, half the world enjoyed their longest day of the year. Our ancestors would have celebrated the day quite differently…