Year 5 PSHCE – Government Spending Debate
An afternoon debate started with a discussion of the role of the government and the services they provide for their people. Working in teams, pupils had to imagine they were the Government of our country.
After pupils were given 15 cards displaying goods, services and laws/rights on which the government could spend their money. The teams had to decide which 10 they believed were important. Children took turns during discussions to argue for and against spending on items they believed to be important.
Once a consensus had been agreed, they had to make an even tougher decision to keep only five! All pupils actively participated during discussions giving sound reasons for their spending. Children were able to say which items where luxury goods or necessities. The children were also able to argue strongly for the need to address environmental issues and peoples human rights.