How can I make the world a better place?

What do I want to find out?

What pupils think and know about actions they can take to make the world a more just and sustainable place

What do I need?

• Blank sheets of A3 paper, one for each group
• A pen for each pupil

What do I do?

Timing: 5 minutes

• With the pupils in groups, ask them to respond to the question: How can I make the world a better place? by writing their ideas on the blank A3 sheet
• Younger pupils may need support with writing down responses; if so record responses yourself or ask colleagues or volunteers to be note takers

 How do I analyse the results?

• Classify the comments into the appropriate section of the table as shown below e.g. these comments would be classified as follows:

       stop dropping litter in the playground = sustainability + local

       stop climate change = sustainability + global

       give money to a local homeless shelter = social justice + local

       buy fair trade = social justice + global

• Some comments, such as: Say no to plastic bags could be classified as local or global, so if you are supervising the activity ask the pupil to explain. If you are analysing written responses, decide how to classify and make a note so that you can be consistent when you repeat the activity

• Look for pupils’ ability to recognise the impact of their lives on people and the planet
• Determine the extent to which pupils show an understanding of appropriate actions relating to both social justice and sustainability, and between local and global actions
• Are pupils aware that they can work together to achieve change, or that they can join wider campaigns?