Researching School Life

Overview

Duration: 90 minutes
Class size: 20 pupils
Unit: Documenting School Life (Lesson 2 of 8)
Year Group: Year 8 (ages 12-13)
Subject: Other – Cross-curricular skills (Literacy, Citizenship, PSHE)

National Curriculum Links

This lesson supports the development of knowledge, skills, and understanding in accordance with the National Curriculum for England, addressing:

English Programme of Study (Years 7-9)
- Reading – comprehension (AF1, AF2): Develops pupils’ ability to identify and summarise key ideas from a range of sources.
- Writing – composition (AF3, AF5): Plan and draft with a clear focus and purpose, organising ideas logically.
- Speaking and listening (SL1, SL2): Develop discussion skills through group collaboration and oral communication.
Citizenship Programme of Study
- Developing Skills of Enquiry and Communication (Key Stage 3)
  Pupils learn how to identify relevant questions and carry out research to develop informed views on topical issues.
Computing - Information Technology
- Using search technologies effectively, appreciating how results are selected and ranked
PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)
- Developing self-awareness and managing feelings through identifying topics meaningful to own experience.

Learning Objectives

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

Brainstorm and select school-life topics that are meaningful and relevant to their own experiences and interests.
Conduct preliminary research using a range of appropriate sources including digital platforms and school community insights.
Identify suitable interview subjects within the school community (staff, pupils, etc.) for gathering first-hand perspectives.
Develop collaborative discussion skills by sharing and evaluating potential topics in groups.
Plan next steps for gathering detailed information and interviewing to document school life effectively.

Resources Required

Whiteboard and markers
Sticky notes (different colours)
Laptops/tablets (1 between 2 pupils) with internet access
Research worksheet (includes prompts and checklist)
Interview planning template
Projector for initial presentation
Timer

Lesson Breakdown

1. Starter Activity – 10 minutes

Objective: Activate prior knowledge and set purpose

Teacher writes the question on the board: “What parts of school life do you find most interesting or important to share with others?”
Pupils silently brainstorm ideas, writing one idea per sticky note (approx. 3-5 ideas).
Pupils stick their notes on the board; teacher briefly clusters similar themes (e.g. Clubs & activities, School meals, Bullying, Academic pressure).
Teacher explains that today’s focus is to select one topic to research and begin planning.

2. Teacher Input: Research Skills Briefing – 10 minutes

Objective: Introduce effective research techniques aligned with the National Curriculum

Present a quick slideshow covering:
- How to evaluate source credibility (e.g. official school websites, trusted news, personal testimonies).
- Using keywords effectively in search engines (demonstration).
- Importance of ethical research (e.g. respecting privacy when identifying interviewees).
Highlight expectations for respectful and responsible engagement.

3. Group Activity: Topic Selection and Initial Research – 25 minutes

Objective: Apply research skills to shortlist and explore topics

Pupils form groups of 4-5. Each group:
- Reviews the clustered sticky notes to choose a topic they feel passionate about (teacher to encourage consensus and meaningful choices).
- Uses laptops/tablets to conduct quick preliminary research (10 minutes).
- Takes notes on: what they found interesting, key facts, possible gaps in information, and initial ideas for interview questions.
Teacher circulates, supports with research queries and prompts deeper thinking.

4. Interactive Task: Identifying Interview Subjects – 15 minutes

Objective: Develop understanding of gathering primary information

Using an interview planning template, groups:
- Identify potential interviewees connected to their topic (e.g. PE teacher for sports clubs, lunch staff for meals, school counsellor for wellbeing themes).
- Discuss and agree on 3 who might provide valuable viewpoints and why.
- Develop 3 key questions they would want to ask in a short interview.
Invite groups to share one or two interviewee ideas and questions aloud; teacher reinforces questioning techniques and relevance.

5. Whole Class Reflection & Next Steps – 10 minutes

Objective: Consolidate learning and prepare for further research

Class discussion guided by teacher prompts:
- How did research influence your topic selection?
- What challenges did you encounter when finding reliable information?
- Why is it important to interview real people for documenting school life?
Teacher recaps research and interview planning process; outlines homework: pupils individually write a brief paragraph explaining why their group’s topic matters to them personally.

6. Plenary Quiz & Feedback – 10 minutes

Objective: Review key lesson points and assess understanding

Quick interactive quiz (could be hand-raising or digital poll) with questions like:
- Name two criteria for a reliable source.
- Why is it important to plan your interview questions in advance?
- Which school community members might you interview about clubs or wellbeing?
Pupils provide feedback on what they found most interesting or what they want to learn more about in the next lesson.

Assessment

Informal formative assessment through:
- Observation of group discussions and participation during research phases.
- Quality of preliminary notes and interview planning worksheets.
- Responses during plenary quiz and reflection.
Homework paragraph will be marked for clarity, relevance, and personal engagement with the topic.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Provide scaffolded templates and question prompts for pupils who need additional support.
Challenge more able pupils to identify complex questions for follow-up interviews or suggest alternative sources beyond the school context.
Ensure all pupils have access to technology with adult assistance as needed.
Use mixed-ability groups to foster peer support and shared skills.

Extensions and Cross-curricular Links

ICT: Search engine skills and digital citizenship.
English: Preparing questions supports speaking and listening, developing vocabulary and critical thinking.
Citizenship: Encourages responsible enquiry about community life.
PSHE: Reflects on pupils’ own school experiences and wellbeing.

Teacher’s Notes

Encourage pupils to see school life as a rich and diverse topic with multiple viewpoints.
Stress respect and confidentiality when identifying interview subjects.
Prepare a list of staff who have agreed to be contacted for interview opportunities.
Use lesson as a bridge to the next lesson focussed on interviewing techniques and ethics.

This detailed plan ensures Year 8 pupils gain vital research and communication skills while engaging deeply with their school community, fully aligned with the English National Curriculum.

Teaching Instructions