UK election resource for 11-14s

Where should Grace put her X on May 7th?
Free PSHE/Citizenship resource for KS3

It is election time. Wherever you look there are politicians aiming to win you over. Debates, Q and As, sensationalist headlines, tweets and Facebook posts are all around us. But while young people in our schools may be aware of something important going on, how engaged are they?

Academics at Newcastle University wanted to involve 11-14 year olds in the election – it is an ideal way to introduce them to politics and parliament. It is also something they can then easily discuss with their parents when they get home too. They approached us to create a free iPad app, which is now ready to download – just click here or search ‘election mystery’ on the App Store. Email info@reflectivethinking.com for a PDF version or click here for a Windows PC/laptop free trial.

You may think ‘oh, another attempt to interest young people’, but this time, it’s different. The app tells the story of the election through an 18 year old called Grace Feng. Bright, illustrated slips of information fill the screen which explain her background and interests plus some of her aims in life and the opinions of her family and friends. Students must use these to develop an understanding of her as a person then with this, decide who she should vote for.

A teacher at Greenfield Community College is using the app - he said “It is more essential than ever to get young people engaged in the political process and the future of our country. As a school we are running a topical scheme of work through our 'time for success' on politics and the election. When we were told about the app, it seemed the ideal task to support this. Students can engage in their own time - as a homework task - or work through the mystery in lessons.”


Three options to use this free resource:

• iPad app: Click here or search ‘election mystery’ on the App Store
• PDF version: Email info@reflectivethinking.com with subject 'election mystery'
• Windows PC/laptop: Click here for a 28 day free trial

Great artists in history - Art curriculum

Click here to download the app

30th March marks Vincent van Gogh's birthday. He was born on 30th March 1853, which means he was born (as of this year: 2016), 163 years ago. His work and life story makes a big impact all these years later, and is on the curriculum of schools across the world.

We have worked with a teacher to create an engaging iPad app dedicated to Vincent and his contribution to the history of art. In celebration of what would have been his birthday, we have dropped the price of this to the lowest: 79p (UK), 99c (US) and $1.49 (AU).

Digital Mysteries: Vincent van Gogh is a unique app which allows pairs of 7-11 year olds to work simultaneously on one iPad with a task mapped to the art/English curriculum. They can also do the task alone if preferred.

Users are given illustrated slips of information which they read, organise into groups and lay out across the screen. These are all about the interesting story of Vincent van Gogh’s life, and the controversy surrounding how he came to lose an ear, to introduce students to his – and fellow artist Paul Gauguin’s – work. It can be used to contribute to the requirement to teach pupils about great artists in history.

A screenshot of Digital Mysteries: Vincent van Gogh

The 18 slips include letters between Vincent and his brother, a diagnosis of Vincent’s health by Doctor Rey, a newspaper report and statements of many of the people involved. While these are central to the story itself, the mystery also brings in many of Vincent’s paintings which can be viewed very clearly in the largest slip size. There is also a self-portrait by Paul Gauguin included too.

Click here to see on the App Store.

It is hoped that the students will be engaged in the dramatic story behind the famous artist while at the same time be able to learn about his style and whether/how it was different to others. The mystery could be used to support the development of group discussion and interaction, as well as encourage students in their development of generic thinking skills.

Once students have finished and came up with their own answer to ‘Why did Vincent lose his ear?’ they can generate a printable PDF report which outlines the session; students involved, their notes, groups and answer, as well as colourful screenshots of each stage. They can also go to a Reflection Stage in which they can playback the process and discuss it as a group, with their teacher or even as a class.

The task might serve as a spring board to further research comparing and contrasting the differing approaches and subject matters of Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.

To find out more and see the full list of learning outcomes, click here or email info@reflectivethinking.com.