This week's big question:

Should mobile phones be banned in all classrooms? 

British Value: Rule of Law

Sometimes bans can be put in place, which means something is officially or legally prohibited (disallowed). Rules and laws are there to help protect us and keep us safe.

Protected Characteristic: Religion and Belief

Our religion or belief can affect if, how and when we choose to use digital technologies. We should never be treated unfairly because of our religion or belief.

Importantly, different countries have different rules and laws. If the laws of a country protect us better than the UN Rights of a child, then those laws should be used

This week's big question:

Are decorations an important part of celebrations? 

British Value: Democracy

The residents of Twinpike Way collectively decided not to decorate their homes this year. When making decisions with others, it is important to share your own thoughts, listen and show respect.

Protected Characteristic: Age

Most of the residents of Twinpike Way are pensioners. Sometimes our age may impact the decisions we make in our lives. We should never be treated unfairly because of our age.

Freedom of thought and religion - our thoughts, opinions and religion can influence the events or moments we celebrate. We can choose our thoughts, opinions and religion but this should not stop other people from enjoying their rights.

This week's big question:

Can anyone break a world record?

British Value: Mutual Respect and Tolerance

The Guinness World Records provides a fantastic opportunity to see the gifts, talents and interests other people living all over the world have. I understand and respect that not everyone is the same as me.

Protected Characteristic: Religion and Belief

A belief is something that affects our life choices and the way we live. Our gifts, talents and interests can influence our beliefs. We should never be treated unfairly because of our beliefs.

Relating to the UN Rights of a Child, if we choose to attempt a world record, our parents or carers will guide and help us and make sure it is safe. Adults should do what is best for children.

This week's big question:

How important is space exploration? 

British Value: Individual Liberty

Exploring space can be exciting and helps us to learn more about the universe. We have a responsibility to consider the impact space exploration may have and manage any risks involved.

Protected Characteristic: Race

People from many different nations have been involved in space exploration. If we have the education, training and skills to explore space then our colour or nationality should never be the reason we cannot.

Relating to the UN Rights of a Child, remember that we all have the right to get information about space exploration from the internet, radio, television, newspapers, books and other sources.

This week's big question:

What is bravery?

British Value: Individual Liberty

There are some situations or challenges we face that may be tricky. Learning how to manage risks can help us make choices and take action in response to these.

Protected Characteristic: Race

Race can mean your colour, nationality or your ethnic or national origins. The Huitoto are an indigenous group whose traditional land is around the Southern Colombian city of Leticia. We should never be treated unfairly because of our race.

Relating to the UN Rights of a Child, governments should let families and communities guide their children as they grow up. The Huitoto traditionally learn hunting, fishing and gathering from a young age.

This week's big question:

How has travel changed our lives? 

British Value: Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Having access to travel can help us learn more about people living in our world. Life is not the same for everyone and we should respect that.

Protected Characteristic: Religion or Belief

Where and how people choose to live may affect the modes of transport they use. We should never be treated unfairly because of how we choose to live.

Relating to the UN Rights of a Child, if a child lives in a different country than their parents, governments must let the child and parents travel so that they can stay in contact and be together.

This week's big question:

What is the best way to show your support? 

British Value: Individual Liberty

We all have the right and freedom to raise awareness of the things that are important to us. We should consider how we choose to do this and the impact it may have on others. We can all make a positive difference!

Protected Characteristic: Age

Max was 10 years old when he took on his challenge. We can all set ourselves goals and challenges and achieve amazing things. Nobody should judge, underestimate or treat anyone unfairly because of their age.

And remember, as part of the UN Rights of a Child, we have the right to share freely with others what we learn, think or feel unless it harms other people.

This week's big question:

How do you choose to celebrate significant events?

British Value: Mutual Respect and Tolerance

We are all different; our lives, and our beliefs. How or if we choose to celebrate the coronation will be different too and we respect this.

Protected Characteristic: Religion and Belief

The coronation service, where King Charles III will be crowned king, is a Christian service. However, it will reflect the different religions and diversity of modern Britain. Our religion or belief should never stop us being invited to take part in coronation celebrations.

This week's big question:

How do you learn best? 

British Value: Rule of Law

Different countries have different rules and laws about school and education. In the UK, all children must be provided with an education from age 5 to 18.

Protected Characteristic: Sex

In Afghanistan, girls over 11 years of age are not allowed to attend school. Being a boy or a girl should never stop us from doing something or cause us to be treated unfairly.

This week's big question:

Can you prepare for emergency situations? 

British Value: Individual Liberty

There are many situations in life that can become dangerous. By considering the consequences of our actions and managing risks, we can help to keep ourselves and others safer.

Protected Characteristic: Religion or Belief

Some people will not receive emergency alerts because they do not have mobile phones or other devices. There are other ways people can be alerted so everyone can be kept as safe as possible.

We discussed how we all have the right to live in a safe environment. The emergency alert is one way that can help us stay safe.

This week's big question:

How do communities support each other in difficult times?

British Value: Mutual Respect and Tolerance 

Community groups can be formed by people with similar interests or characteristics. Not everyone shares the same interests or characteristics as each other but we can respect that.

Protected Characteristic: All of Them!

Some communities can be formed based on people’s characteristics. The nine characteristics are protected so nobody should be treated unfairly because of them.

We can join or set up groups or organisations and form our own communities. We can meet with others as long as this does not harm other people.

This week's big question:

Should Roald Dahl's books be changed for modern times? 

British Value: Rule of Law

We discussed how that, as we move into the future, things develop, change and modernise. Rules and laws will sometimes need to be updated because of this.

Protected Characteristic: Age

Roald Dahl was born in 1916. He based many of his stories and characters on his real life experiences. People of different ages are likely to have different life experiences but we should never be treated unfairly because of our age or the age group we are in.

And remember, relating to the UN Rights of a Child, parents or guardians are the main people responsible for bringing up a child. They should always consider what is best for us. This may involve deciding which books are suitable for us to read.

This week's big question:

Should men and women’s sports teams be paid the same?

British Value: Democracy

If we do not agree with something or do not think it is fair, we can use our voices to make changes. We learnt that Wales’ national men and women's football teams will now receive equal pay. All children have rights and should not be treated unfairly for any reason. This includes whether we are a girl or a boy.

Protected Characteristic: Sex

We discussed how both men and women should be treated fairly. This includes being paid fairly for the job they do.

This week's big question:

What is the most important form of communication? 

British Value: Mutual Respect and Tolerance

We are all different, so communicate in different ways. Developing our communication skills can help us become more understanding of the world we live in and may even help someone else feel welcome and cared for. There are many languages spoken across the world that people can use to communicate with one another. We all have the right to use our own language, even if this is not shared by most people in the country we live in.

Protected Characteristic: Disability

Some people may have a disability, such as deafness, which means they communicate with others in a different way. This should never cause someone to be treated unfairly.

This week's big question:

How much control do influencers have over our choices? 

British Value: Mutual Respect and Tolerance

We discussed that we all have the power to influence so should consider how our behaviour, actions and words can affect others. We all have the right to be protected from exploitation (being taken advantage of). Learning about social media and keeping safe online can help do this.

Protected Characteristic: Religion or Belief

Our beliefs consist of the things we believe to be true about ourselves, the world and others. They are firmly embedded and affect the way we think and behave. There are many things which may influence our beliefs.

This week's big question:

Are television channels as important as they once were?

British Value: Individual Liberty 

We discussed that with such a huge variety of entertainment available on our screens, we can choose what to watch. We can take some responsibility for our viewing to ensure we have a healthy amount of screen time. The BBC was the first broadcasting company in the UK and is now 100 years old. We have the right to get information from the internet, radio, television, newspapers, books and other sources.

This week's big question:

Should we all aim to be the best? 

British Value: Mutual Respect & Tolerance 

We discussed how everyone is different, with different talents. We can respect and celebrate the achievements of others and be thankful for the people in our lives who do the same for us. Our education should help us fully develop our personalities, talents and abilities. This will enable us to be the best that we can be!

This week's big question:

Do we achieve more when there is competition? 

British Value: Rule of Law 

We discussed how competitions have rules and that these rules often state who can enter the competition and how to win. These rules encourage fair play and help keep contestants or competitors safe. The UN Rights of a Child teach us that watching or participating in competitions may help us to rest, relax, play, or take part in cultural and creative activities.

This week's big question:

How can we help those in need who are far away?

British Value: Individual Liberty

We discussed how people in Pakistan have been affected by the flooding and thought carefully about how we could help. The UN Rights of a Child states that every child has the right to live in a safe environment. 

This week's big question:

Should more be done to help rescue pets? 

British Value: Democracy

We talked about how we all have a voice. We can use our voice to share our opinions and support the things that matter to us. For some, this might be caring for pets in need. It might be that we own a pet, want to help a pet in need or can no longer care for a pet. These are all issues that affect us and we all have the right to give our opinions freely on them.

This week's big question:

How has football influenced black history? 

The theme for 2022’s Black History Month is ‘Time for change; Action not words’ and in a recent interview, former England player Andy Cole shared his thoughts on the month, including highlighting the need for change in football and wider society. Cole feels particularly strongly about the lack of opportunities for black coaches and managers in English football.

Each year, Black History Month provides an opportunity for learning, reflection and change; to look at how things once were and to ensure we learn from the past to create a better future.