The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, has faced criticism over a Government centre for people who have arrived in UK in small boats. Many of these people, known as migrants, have come to the UK to find a safe place to live, but a centre where they are sent was found to be overcrowded. This resources pack includes an article from The Week Junior magazine, along with a sheet of activities designed to get children thinking, talking and writing about what the story means to them.
Oracy
Charity begins at home, as the old saying goes. If that’s true, shouldn’t we prioritise improving the lives of people who already live in our country? Doesn’t it put too much strain on our public services, such as hospitals and schools, when we allow too many people from other countries to make Britain their new home? Or do you think we should be doing whatever we can to help desperate people wherever they come from? In any case, throughout history, hasn’t Britain always benefited from the new skills, perspectives and cultural influences of newcomers from around the world? What do you think?
Writing skills
Imagine you have been shipwrecked and washed up, all alone, in a country where you don’t speak their language. Write a diary entry for your first day, outlining what happened when you encountered the local authorities and explaining how you were treated.
OR
Write a set of instructions for how to be British. Make it as serious or humourous as you like, but remember to include a brief introduction, a “What you need” section and a set of sequenced instructions using imperative verbs.
Investigate
What does the Home Secretary do in the UK? Research the main responsibilities of the role and write a brief summary of each. Challenge: based on what you have discovered, list the five personal qualities that you think are the most important for someone who holds this office.
Find the entire series of Topical Tuesday resources to download in our Topical Tuesdays collection.
What is The Week Junior?
The Week Junior magazine looks at current affairs and helps children make sense of the world, provides context and clarity to complex issues, improves general knowledge and encourages discussion and debate.
To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to The Week Junior website.