Teaching Ethics in Schools (paperback)

A Practical Guide for Primary and Secondary Teachers

This is the paperback version – Hardbacks are available only through Amazon Books.

(Alternative: Get the digital version)

Empower your students to think critically, act responsibly, and make informed, ethical choices with confidence. Teaching Ethics in Schools is a ready-to-use resource designed specifically for teachers who want to bring meaningful ethics education into the classroom.

“Ethics is about choosing what is right, fair, and responsible, even when no one is watching. It is not about blindly following rules, personal opinions, or doing whatever feels easiest at the time.” S. Macmillan

By teaching ethics across the curriculum subjects, and in sports and relationships, you give your students more than just knowledge – you help them develop a strong sense of personal responsibility. When ethical thinking is embedded into everyday lessons, students begin to recognise the impact of their choices on themselves and others. This awareness can play a crucial role in reducing behaviours like cheating, truancy, bullying, and other forms of anti-social behaviour, as they learn to evaluate the consequences of their actions and make thoughtful decisions. This kit teaches not just the “hows” but the “whys” so a fully comprehension of ethics is understood and prioritised in life.

Integrating ethics also fosters a more positive classroom and school culture, encouraging students to move away from a “gang mentality” or peer pressure-driven behaviour. Through discussions, reflections, and real-life scenarios, students learn to take ownership of their actions, respect others, and act with integrity, preparing them not only for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom.

This guide of, over 300 pages, contains:

• Guides & strategies – for both primary and secondary teachers.
• Lesson plans – worked examples across age levels.
• Templates – planning sheets, discussion guides, reflection journals.
• Student study notes – simple, copyable handouts.
• Student workbooks – primary (drawing, simple decisions) and secondary (case studies, debates, reflections).

Extra: Upon purchase you will also be sent a link by email to copy the Google Doc and MS Word Doc version of the templates of handouts for students.

This resource is more than theory – it’s a hands-on toolkit. With engaging activities, case studies, and discussion prompts, it helps you create a safe, respectful classroom where students can explore fairness, honesty, responsibility, and justice.

Empower your students to make ethical decisions today – Get copies for your staff  and start teaching with confidence.

Main contents:

Introduction

• Why ethics education matters today
• How to use this book
• Integrating ethics into the curriculum

Part I: Foundations of Ethics Education

Chapter 1: Understanding Ethics in Education

• What ethics is (and is not)
• Difference between ethics, morals, and values
• The teacher’s role as an ethical model

Chapter 2: Creating a Safe Ethical Classroom

• Establishing trust and respect
• Guidelines for ethical discussion
• Managing sensitive or controversial topics

Chapter 3: Approaches to Teaching Ethics

• Storytelling and case studies
• Role play and simulations
• Debate and discussion strategies
• Inquiry-based learning

Part II: Practical Strategies and Lesson Guides

Chapter 4: Teaching Ethics in Primary Schools

• Simple ethical concepts (fairness, honesty, kindness)
• Using fables, stories, and games
• Activities for ages 7–11
  • Example lesson plan: “What’s Fair?” – A lesson on fairness using playground scenarios
  • Example lesson plan: “Telling the Truth” – Honesty through storytelling

Chapter 5: Teaching Ethics in Secondary Schools

• Complex concepts (justice, rights, responsibilities)
• Linking ethics to subjects (history, science, digital citizenship)
• Activities for ages 12–18
  • Example lesson plan: “The Trolley Problem” – Exploring moral dilemmas
  • Example lesson plan: “Digital Footprints” – Ethics of online behaviour

Chapter 6: Integrating Ethics Across the Curriculum

• Ethics in literature and history
• Ethics in science and technology
• Ethics in health, sport, and relationships
• Cross-curricular project ideas

Part III: Teacher Resources

Chapter 7: Templates and Tools for Teachers

• Lesson planning template for ethics lessons
• Ethical dilemma case study template
• Student reflection journal template
• Classroom discussion ground rules chart
  

Chapter 8: Student Study Notes (Copyable)

• What is ethics?
• Everyday ethics: honesty, fairness, respect
• Thinking through dilemmas (step-by-step guide)
• Making ethical decisions (decision-making model)

Chapter 9: Student Workbook Activities (Copyable)

• Primary school workbook pages
  • Matching activities (right vs. wrong)
  • Drawing and storytelling about ethical choices
  • Reflection questions (“What would you do?”)
• Secondary school workbook pages
  • Case studies with guiding questions
  • Ethical debate worksheets
  • Self-reflection on personal values

Chapter 10: Assessing Ethical Learning

• How to assess ethical reasoning (without moralising)
• Rubrics for evaluating discussions and reflections
• Student self-assessment checklists

Part IV: Advanced Guides

Chapter 11: Leading Whole-School Ethics Initiatives

• Creating an ethical school culture
• Linking with community values
• Peer mentoring and student leadership

Chapter 12: Challenges and Opportunities

• Handling controversial topics (e.g., politics, religion, social issues)
• Encouraging respectful disagreement
• Supporting students with diverse values

Order yours today and bring ethics to the forefront in your school to make a brighter future.