Waste Curriculum KS5

A bespoke curriculum for KS5 on the topic of Waste.

The unit contains 4 lesson plans (each lesson available in 15 minute, 30 minute or 60 minute format).
Each lesson begins with a short 3-5 minute film to engage in the topic and then explores a range of questions and discussion points, encouraging students to develop critical thinking and empathy skills.

Lessons contain a range of multi-media resources to support learning ideas and contain clear instructions to guide through the lesson.
Lessons have been designed to complement SMSC learning objectives and match core National Curriculum PSHE specifications in value-based learning. Focused on tolerance, respect and global citizenship, lessons allow students to explore their own opinions and values, make connections to those around them and practice listening and empathic engagement.

QUESTIONS EXPLORED:
• Where does our rubbish go when we throw it away (because there is no such place as ‘away’)?
• Who should be responsible for the rubbish we are making?
• Why do we have so much “stuff” in our lives and who is telling us that we need it all?
• What is happening in our oceans and how responsible should we be for the waste that is accruing?
• How is our relationship to waste defined by the country in which we live?
• What does it mean to live a ‘zero-waste’ life and how can we learn to do this?

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Each lesson starts with a short film which serves as the platform for the lesson’s discussions, allowing students to engage firstly with the ideas raised in the film and then develop insight and engagement in the topic. Students will practise skills of critical thinking & questioning, deep listening and empathy building. Lessons will examine some of the global issues of waste production and removal, understanding the cycles of production, consumption and destruction and that we are involved in. Students will examine the roles of the individual and government in tackling waste, unpicking the notion of ethical consumption and understanding the impact of sustainable living on people and planet.
Watch a short video introduction to the unit here: