Bribery in exams Lesson Presentation

In a thought-provoking lesson, primary school students in Key Stage 2 are introduced to the ethical considerations surrounding bribery in exams. The lesson begins with a secret vote where each student privately marks whether they agree or disagree with the statement "I would cheat in a test to get a better mark if I knew no one would ever find out." This anonymous activity sets the tone for an honest and open discussion about the temptations and consequences of cheating. A video task follows, providing context to the discussion by exploring a recent scandal involving wealthy families in America who paid bribes to secure university places for their children. Students are encouraged to watch a video and reflect on the fairness of such actions and the concept of bribery.

The lesson then delves deeper into the theme of fairness with various tasks. Students individually assess different scenarios, ranging from copying answers to offering sweets for homework completion, plotting them on a fairness graph. Group discussions prompt students to consider motives and appropriate consequences for scenarios involving bribery for better grades. They play the role of judges, debating whether actions such as paying judges in a music competition or altering exam answers merit punishment. The lesson culminates in a class discussion where students share their views on fair punishments and the value of honesty. They are challenged to consider the long-term implications of cheating through the contrasting experiences of two university students—one who cheated and one who worked hard. The lesson encourages critical thinking about integrity, fairness, and the true value of academic achievements.