Gangs Lesson Plan

The VotesforSchools lesson plan for Years 4-6 addresses the serious issue of coercion, particularly in the context of criminal gangs. The lesson begins with a one-minute feedback session where pupils review the results and feedback from the previous week's topic. This is followed by a starter activity, lasting between 3 to 5 minutes, where pupils reflect on personal experiences of being pressured into doing something they didn't want to do. The discussion then shifts to understanding why the topic is relevant today, with a particular focus on the term "coercion".

Over the next several minutes, pupils delve deeper into the subject. They start by defining what a criminal gang is, matching statistics with facts about gangs, and discussing why someone might be compelled to join one. The lesson continues with an interactive exercise where pupils read stories about children who were coerced into joining gangs, identifying the moment they believe the child became a gang member, and discussing their thoughts and potential reactions. In the final stages, pupils are reminded of the importance of seeking help if they ever find themselves victims of coercion. The lesson concludes with a call to action, encouraging pupils to explore how they can extend their learning beyond the classroom, such as by researching charities that assist young people or creating informative posters or podcasts. Keywords such as 'coercion', 'criminal gang', and 'county lines' are emphasised throughout, with additional supporting materials provided for SEND learners and challenge tasks to extend understanding.