Secondary teaching resources

Our free teaching resources help young people aged 11 to 19 to examine the world around them from a humanitarian perspective and learn about topics related to the work of the Red Cross.

These curriculum-linked activities, session plans and teaching packages are ideal for subjects such as PSHE, Citizenship, Geography, History and informal learning time. Learners gain new perspectives, develop new life skills and develop understanding, values and critical thinking.


Smiling woman walks alongside Red Cross volunteers

Humanitarianism and the Red Cross

Age: 14-19

Type: Lesson plan, video

Subjects: Citizenship, History

A lesson plan about humanitarianism and how it guides the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

  • Humanitarianism and the Red Cross
Two teenagers help their friend who is lying on the floor

Alcohol and first aid

Age: 14-19

Type: Lesson plan, video

Subjects: PSHE

Use our videos, lesson plans and practical resources to teach young people about alcohol and first aid.

  • First aid and the bystander effect
Soldiers in the trenches in WWI.

World War One: The Unknown Soldier

Age: 14-19

Type: Lesson plan, video

Subjects: Citizenship, Drama, English

Learn more about World War One and what it might have been like to “go over the top” using an impactful film to explore the humanitarian impact of armed conflict.

  • Conflict
Woman dances in traditional cultural clothing in front of a crowd.

Identity and belonging

Age: 7-11, 11-14

Type: Lesson plan, images

Subjects: PSHE

Activities to help learners consider identity, belonging and the impact stigma can have on refugee and migrant communities.

  • Refugees and migration
The Long Road EP

Refugee journeys: The Long Road

Age: 14-19

Type: Lesson plan, audio, video

Subjects: English, SMSC

Celebrate the contributions of refugees to art and culture, and consider how it may feel to have to flee your country.

  • Refugees and migration
A group of teenage girls bully another girl.

Defusing conflict

Age: 11-16

Type: Teaching briefing, activities

Subjects: Citizenship

Consider how to defuse tension and reduce conflict in difficult situations.

  • Conflict
A young woman speaks in a group.

Emotional support in a crisis

Age: 11-19

Type: Teacher briefing, quick activity

Subjects: PSHE

Teacher briefing and class activity exploring how best to support someone who is upset.

  • First aid and the bystander effect
The Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblems

The Red Cross emblem

Age: 11-16

Type: Assembly

Subjects: Citizenship, PSHE

A role-play assembly exploring the meaning of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and Red Crystal emblems, especially in conflict situations.

  • Humanitarianism and the Red Cross
Child smiles as he is held by someone in clown costume

The power of humanity

Age: 11-19

Type: Assembly, film

Subjects: Citizenship, PSHE

A PSHE and Citizenship assembly kit exploring the power of humanity through a film.

  • Humanitarianism and the Red Cross
Black and white photo of Red Cross medics during the Blitz

Rules of war

Age: 14-16

Type: Lesson plan, video

Subjects: Citizenship, PSHE

Use these thought-provoking activities to help young people explore International Humanitarian Law and how it is applied in situations of armed conflict.

  • Conflict