Understanding a Major European Decision and Its Impact on Ireland
This lesson helps pupils in 5th and 6th Class understand Brexit as a major political decision and explore how it affects countries differently, particularly Ireland and Northern Ireland. Through discussion, guided questioning and written reflection, pupils examine why the UK chose to leave the European Union and how such decisions can influence borders, trade, daily life and relationships between countries.
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:
- Explain, in clear and accurate terms, what Brexit is
- Understand why the UK held a referendum in 2016
- Recognise that the UK left the European Union, not Europe
- Understand why Ireland remained in the EU
- Explain why the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland is important
- Identify how Brexit affects trade, travel and daily life
- Recognise that political decisions can have different effects on different people
- Listen to and respect different viewpoints
- Take part in structured discussion and debate
- Reflect on how decisions made in one country can affect others
Introducing Brexit
The lesson begins with the question:
What does the word “Brexit” mean?
Pupils learn that Brexit refers to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union, following a referendum in 2016. The discussion clarifies that:
- The UK left the EU, not the continent of Europe
- Leaving the EU was a political choice
- Countries can choose to join or leave the EU club
Historical context is introduced, including the example of Greenland leaving the EU in 1985, helping pupils see that the UK was not the first to do so.
Why did the UK leave the EU?
Through guided questions and group discussion, pupils explore reasons why:
- Some people in the UK wanted to leave the EU
- Others wanted the UK to remain
A short video and the metaphor of making a cup of tea are used to help pupils think about whether being inside or outside a club makes you stronger, encouraging reflection rather than persuasion.
Brexit and Ireland
The lesson then focuses on why Brexit is especially important for Ireland.
Pupils explore:
- Why the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland matters
- How people live, work and travel across the border
- Why Ireland stayed in the EU
- Why special rules were created to avoid a hard border
This section helps pupils understand how geography, history and politics are closely connected.
Impact on daily life and trade
Using real-life examples, pupils discuss how Brexit may affect:
- Shopping and prices
- Trade between Ireland, Northern Ireland and Britain
- Travel and movement of goods
- Communities living near the border
These examples make abstract political decisions more concrete and relatable.
Listening to different views and debating respectfully
Pupils are encouraged to reflect on questions such as:
- Can Brexit have both positive and negative effects?
- Can people be affected differently by the same decision?
- Why is it important to listen to opinions we disagree with?
This discussion develops critical thinking, empathy and democratic debate skills.
Why this activity works
- Designed specifically for 5th and 6th Class
- Addresses a complex topic in an age-appropriate way
- Encourages discussion rather than fixed answers
- Develops critical thinking and respectful debate
- Connects European decisions to pupils’ real lives
- Supports SPHE, SESE and citizenship education
