Teaching British Values through ‘The Island’ by Armin Greder: A Powerful PSHE Lesson for Upper Key Stage 2

Written by Maisie Waylett, Class Teacher

Following on from a previous blog post we’ve written (7 books that encompass British Values), this post aims to give you a resource idea and lesson plan that you can use in the classroom to foster discussion about British Values. Just in time too, for International Day of Democracy which takes place on 15th September.

Understanding British values is a key part of the PSHE curriculum in primary schools across the UK. These values are not just abstract concepts — they underpin the fabric of British society and help children develop into responsible, respectful citizens. Here at The Story Project, stories are our bread and butter for building empathy and understanding in the classroom and we think that The Island by Armin Greder is a great book for doing this with your KS2 class.

But first, let’s dive in to what British Values actually are…

What are the British Values?

The Department for Education (DfE) defines Fundamental British Values as:

Democracy

The rule of law

Individual liberty

Mutual respect

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

These values help to promote social cohesion, protect the rights of individuals, and prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. Teaching them effectively requires more than just theory — it involves discussion, critical thinking, and empathy.

Why use ‘The Island’ by Armin Greder?

‘The Island’ is a picture book that tells the story of a man who washes up on the shore of an island. But when the local community responds with suspicion, fear, and eventually hostility it becomes apparent that this story isn’t a Robinson Crusoe-style tale of isolation. The stark black-and-white illustrations and minimal text prompts readers to ask deeper questions about why prejudice exists, who it benefits and what an inclusive society looks like.

While the book never names specific countries or cultures, its themes clearly connect to the topical issues of immigration, refugees, prejudice, and inclusion — all of which can be linked directly to the British values framework.

Planning a British Values PSHE Lesson with The Island

Here’s how you can structure a PSHE lesson for upper KS2 using our free PowerPoint resources and the book, The Island:

Here’s how you can structure a PSHE lesson for upper KS2 using our S.T.O.R.Y lesson structure and a free PowerPoint resource with The Island by Armin Greder. More information about how our STORY structure works can be found here.

Settle

Before the lesson begins, use a short, easy-to-implement activity to encourage children to reset so they are in the right frame of mind to learn. This could be tracing their fingers with their other hand, bumble bee breathing or figure of eight breathing.

Train

Start by asking the class how they would feel if they were the character – excited about meeting the islanders, nervous, scared? Then recap the five British values. Ask students:

– What do these values mean?

– Can they think of real-life examples of each?

– Use simple definitions and relatable examples to anchor their understanding.

Objective

“I can understand and explore the Fundamental British Values through discussion and reflection on the themes presented in The Island by Armin Greder.”

Read

Read The Island aloud, pausing to show the illustrations. Although it’s a picture book, the themes and images are more suitable for mature discussion with Upper KS2 pupils.

Ask open-ended questions:

– How did the islanders feel about the stranger?

– Why do you think they responded that way?

– How does this relate to British values?

Encourage empathy by asking: “How would you feel if you were the man on the island?” or “What would you do if you were one of the islanders?”

Here’s how each British value can be explored through the book:

Tolerance: The book is a powerful springboard for discussions about tolerance, especially regarding refugees, different cultures, and the danger of prejudice.

Democracy: The islanders make a group decision, but is it fair? Discuss the difference between majority rule and moral responsibility.

Rule of Law: Were there any rules the islanders followed or broke? What should laws do in a fair society?

Individual Liberty: Did the man have any freedom? What about the islanders — did fear limit their freedom?

Mutual Respect: Explore how the islanders failed to show respect to someone different. What would respectful behaviour look like instead?

You

Use creative follow-up tasks to reinforce learning:

Role-play: Act out alternative endings where the islanders respond differently.

Debate: Should the man have been allowed to stay? Why or why not?

Art and Writing: Create posters promoting British values, or write a diary entry from the perspective of the man or one of the islanders.

These activities encourage critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper grasp of moral and civic responsibility.

Tips for Successful Lesson Delivery

Prepare for emotional responses: The book’s themes can be upsetting. Create a safe space for discussion and reflection.

Connect to real-world issues: Use current events (e.g., news stories about refugees) to help children understand the relevance of British values today.

Emphasise inclusion: Reinforce the idea that everyone has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued in society.

Teaching British values doesn’t need to be dry or disconnected from real life. The Island by Armin Greder is a powerful teaching tool that enables Upper KS2 pupils to grapple with complex moral questions in an accessible, emotionally resonant way. By linking this book to the British values framework, you’re not just ticking a curriculum box — you’re helping to shape a more thoughtful, inclusive, and compassionate classroom!