Exploring Different Viewpoints Before Deciding
The Brexit Dilemma activity helps pupils in 3rd and 4th Class explore a complex political decision in a safe, structured and age-appropriate way. Through role-play, listening and reflection, children learn that important decisions often involve different viewpoints and that it is important to listen carefully before forming an opinion.
What’s the difference between Activities and Instructions?
Activities are the interactive games or exercises your pupils will complete in class. Instructions are the teacher materials that help you prepare: background notes, printable sheets, or instructions.
Learning objectives
This activity helps pupils to:
- Understand that Brexit was the UK leaving the European Union
- Recognise that people can have different opinions about the same decision
- Identify reasons for and against Brexit
- Listen carefully to different viewpoints
- Develop empathy and respect for others’ opinions
- Reflect before forming a personal view
- Understand that decisions can have positive and negative consequences
- Practise peaceful discussion and turn-taking
- Build confidence expressing thoughts and feelings
Introducing the dilemma
The lesson begins with a short story about David, a 9-year-old boy living in England.
David hears different opinions about Brexit at home and at school. He has been asked to create a poster answering the question:
“Was Brexit good or bad for the UK?”
However, he is not sure what to think.
This dilemma helps pupils relate emotionally and understand that uncertainty is normal when facing complex decisions.
Setting up the Conscience Alley
PupilThe classroom is arranged into a Conscience Alley:
- One line of pupils represents reasons why Brexit might be good
- The other line represents reasons why Brexit might not be good
- A space is left in the middle for “David” to walk through
Each pupil is given (or creates) a short argument to whisper as David walks down the alley.
Listening to arguments for and against Brexit
As David walks slowly through the alley:
- Pupils clearly and calmly share their argument
- Both positive and negative viewpoints are heard
- The aim is to help David think, not to win an argument
Different pupils may reach different conclusions, showing that there is not always one “right” answer.
Reflecting on opinions and feelings
After the role-play, pupils reflect as a class on questions such as:
- What reasons did you hear that made Brexit seem positive?
- What reasons made it seem negative?
- Was it easy or difficult to decide what you thought?
- How did listening to different viewpoints make you feel?
This reflection encourages emotional awareness and critical thinking.
Understanding democracy and respectful discussion
The activity concludes by reinforcing key ideas:
- In a democracy, people can disagree respectfully
- Listening is as important as speaking
- Big political decisions affect real people and families
- It is okay to feel unsure and take time before deciding
These ideas are introduced without political bias, focusing on skills rather than opinions.
Why this activity works
- Designed specifically for 3rd and 4th Class
- Encourages critical thinking and empathy
- Provides a safe space to explore a sensitive topic
- Develops listening and speaking skills
- Promotes respectful discussion and democratic values
- Makes complex political ideas accessible and age-appropriate
