www.unitetheunion.org/uniteinschools

(JN6953) HB110315

A national programme teachingschool students about trade unions

Unite in Schools

www.unitetheunion.org/uniteinschools

Our short classroom sessions include a mix and match of the following activities anddiscussions, rooted in students’ own experience:A brief history of trade unionsA look at what unions have done for us in the past (paid holidays, maternity leave) What we do today (including campaigns around tuition fees, environmentalissues, apprenticeships, zero hours contracts)Activities and short animated films around:

What do you know about Trade Unions? Having a louder voiceUnions are all around us – occupations, media, family, school.Why are we stronger together?

Boston Grammar School Students, enthused and engaged atUnite in Schools Day - 04 February 2015

A UiS session with the school councilrepresentatives at Holyhead HighSchool, February 2015

UiS session participants from ChilwellSchool, Nottingham with teacher JoyceShakeshaft

Unite in Schools is a national programme run by the union whichaims to teach school students about the role of trade unions inthe workplace.

The programme is targeted at years 10 and 11 and can be linked intothe National Curriculum under Citizenship for Key Stage 4. Sessionscan also be delivered to students in Higher and Further Educationwhen requested.

Unite in Schools is being delivered by members of Unite, usuallywork place representatives, who have been trained to deliver theprogramme and to facilitate debate in the classroom.

In a short classroom session, the Unite in Schools speakers outlinehow trade unions work to improve the pay and terms and conditionsof their members - as well as protecting workers against bullying ordiscrimination. Students are asked to participate in one or twoactivities which aim to open meaningful discussions on trade unions.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Unite in Schoolsprogramme, please contact: mary.sayer@unitetheunion.org07799 114243 or liane.groves@unitetheunion.org 07793 661657

‘I enjoyed your session at SpaldingHigh School - it was obviouswhen you began that thestudents had little idea of whata Union is or how they function.I'm sure they left the sessionmuch more informed! The 'votes'and mini-debates were especiallyeffective and the student'sconfidence in answering wasgrowing as the session went on.’

Richard Garbett (Vice Head Spalding High School):

‘The students were split into Year 10, Year 11 and the SixthForm. Whilst the three sessions followed the same formatthe questioning used allowed for all students to get themost out of the activities. The pupils, whilst aware ofunions, were not really sure what they were for and thisreally opened their eyes as to the benefits a union cangive to the workforce.

The boys particularly liked having to come up with theirown ‘campaign’ and started to understand that by standingtogether they can make a difference. The workshops wereincredibly well run and informative and we look forwardto booking David for next year.’

Jo Cooper (Teacher at Boston Grammar School)

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Unite in Schools, National Citizen Service, Derby College.

Longslade CommunityCollege, Leics.