Equality and Discrimination

Overview

Duration: 30 minutes
Class size: 2 students
Unit: Empowering Relationships and Rights (Lesson 2 of 6)
Age group: Year 4 (8-9 years old)
Subject: PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)
National Curriculum Link:

• PSHE Association Programme of Study Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)
  • "To recognise what is meant by a diverse society, and the importance of respecting difference and equality"
  • "To recognise what discrimination means and how to challenge it"
• Equality Act 2010: Teaching about protected characteristics appropriate to age

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Identify and name some of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 (e.g. age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation).
2. Understand the meaning of equality and discrimination in everyday contexts.
3. Recognise examples of prejudice and unfair treatment.
4. Express ways to stand up against discrimination using respectful language and behaviour.

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Resources Needed

• Age-appropriate Equality Act 2010 poster (simplified key protected characteristics)
• Scenario cards illustrating real-life examples of inclusion and discrimination
• Whiteboard or paper and coloured pens
• “Feelings” emoji faces or cards (happy, sad, confused)
• Role-play props (optional: hats, badges to represent different identities)

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Objective: Engage and connect prior knowledge to new concepts

• Greet students and briefly recap Lesson 1 on “Empowering Relationships” (remind them about respect and kindness).
• Introduce today’s focus: "Today, we will learn about what makes everyone equal and what it means if someone is treated unfairly because of who they are."
• Present simplified Equality Act poster, highlighting it protects people from being treated unfairly because of certain important parts of who they are (explain “protected characteristics” in child-friendly language).
• Ask: "Can you think of ways people might be treated unfairly, just because of one thing about them?"

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2. Main Activity: Exploring Equality and Discrimination through Scenarios (15 minutes)

Objective: Understand and recognise discrimination and practise standing up respectfully

• Step 1: Show 3 short scenario cards with simple stories. Examples:

  • A girl can’t play football with boys at lunchtime.
  • A child is not invited to a game because they wear glasses.
  • A child is teased for their religion or culture.

• Step 2: For each scenario, ask:

  • "Is this fair or unfair? Why?"
  • "How do you think the child feels?" (Use emoji cards to prompt emotional understanding)
  • "What could they do to stand up against this unfair treatment?"

• Step 3: Role-play one scenario where one student plays the child being treated unfairly and the other student helps them stand up for themselves using words of support or seeking help from a trusted adult. Swap roles so both students practise.

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3. Reflection and Consolidation (7 minutes)

Objective: Reinforce understanding and personal connection

• Invite students to share one thing they have learned today about equality or discrimination.
• Create a “Respect and Equality” poster together on the whiteboard or paper with key phrases reviewed:
  • “Everyone deserves respect.”
  • “It is unfair to treat someone badly because of who they are.”
  • “If I see unfair treatment, I will… (stand up, tell a teacher, be kind).”
• Encourage students to decorate the poster with drawings or colours they like.

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4. Assessment & Plenary (3 minutes)

Objective: Check learning and set up for next lesson

• Use a quick verbal quiz: "Name one protected characteristic from the Equality Act."
• Ask: "If you saw someone being treated unfairly, what could you do?"
• Praise and affirm all answers; clarify gently if needed.
• Give a “Well done!” sticker or praise token for engagement and learning.
• Briefly preview the next lesson topic: “Next time, we will learn about how to build safe and positive friendships.”

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Differentiation

• Provide sentence starters for pupils who need support (e.g., “I think this is unfair because…”).
• Use visual aids and concrete examples to support understanding.
• Offer more challenging scenario discussions for any learner who wants to explore deeper meanings of prejudice.

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Curriculum Links Summary

Curriculum Aspect	Description
PSHE Association Key Stage 2	Recognising diversity and respecting difference
Equality Act 2010	Understanding protected characteristics
Speaking and Listening	Encouraging respectful dialogue and role-play
Emotional Literacy	Identifying feelings associated with unfairness

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Teacher’s Notes

• Because the class is small (2 students), ensure ample opportunity for personal feedback and trust-building to encourage open sharing.
• Use positive reinforcement to build self-confidence when standing up against unfairness.
• Adapt language to student’s emotional maturity and experience; keep discussions age-appropriate and supportive.
• Keep the atmosphere safe and ensure students understand help is always available from adults.

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This detailed lesson plan aligns clearly with England’s National Curriculum and PSHE Association recommendations, designed to inspire Year 4 pupils to understand and value equality while enabling practical skills to challenge discrimination in their own lives.