Sec Values - Courage and Resilience 1: Catherine

Teacher notes

Catherine Nanziri, Uganda’s first female Olympic boxer, shares her inspiring journey in this powerful storyworld. Known as "The Silent Beast", Catherine speaks openly about her determination to follow her dream, despite resistance from her father and society. This is the first lesson of the Courage and Resilience unit, part of the secondary Year of Values programme. These sessions explore the idea that courage isn’t just about bravery in big moments, it’s often a quiet decision to keep going, to speak up, or to stay true to your values. Guidance: The lesson invites students to reflect, share, and journal on the values of courage and resilience, not as fixed definitions, but as living, evolving values. We’ll reflect, question, and explore how people like us (and unlike us) live out this value in the real world. Suggested introduction for each session in Year of Values: Each week, we explore a powerful human story from a different part of the world, using real-life voices and experiences to help us better understand the values that shape our lives. **Lesson objectives:** Explore different forms of courage and resilience, Identify factors that support resilience, such as purpose, support, values, and self-belief, using Catherine’s story as a real-world example, Reflect on how courage and resilience relate to identity, wellbeing, and everyday choices, particularly when facing pressure or doubt, Begin to articulate their own understanding of courage and resilience, as evolving values they can develop over time. **National Curriculum Links** **PSHE / RSHE (KS3–KS4)** KS3 PSHE Links: H1 – Recognise and demonstrate personal strengths and how these build self-confidence and wellbeing H2 – Understand factors that affect wellbeing and resilience (e.g. relationships, expectations, adversity) H4 – Develop strategies to build resilience to negative opinions, judgement and external pressure H9 – Understand and build resilience and respond constructively to setbacks and challenges H10 – Recognise the role of purpose, role models and perseverance in promoting mental wellbeing L2 – Review personal strengths, values and qualities L9 – Recognise and challenge stereotypes L10 – Understand how stereotypes and expectations can limit aspirations KS4 PSHE Links H1 – Accurately assess personal strengths and areas for development H2 – Understand how self-esteem and mental health are affected by internal and external influences H4 – Develop assertiveness and resilience to peer, social and cultural pressure H7 – Apply cognitive and practical strategies for managing emotional wellbeing H9 – Respond to setbacks, disappointment and challenge with resilience R9 (KS4) – Recognise, clarify and reflect on personal values and how they influence decisions and behaviour **Citizenship (KS3–KS4)** KS3: - Understand the role of individuals in society and how personal choices can challenge expectations and contribute positively - Explore ideas of freedom, rights and responsibility, including the freedom to make independent life choices - Develop skills in discussion, listening and expressing viewpoints respectfully when considering social and cultural issues KS4: - Reflect on diverse identities, equality and mutual respect within society - Consider how individuals can contribute to society through determination, resilience and positive action - Develop the ability to evaluate lived experiences, weigh viewpoints and form reasoned personal perspectives **Physical Education (KS3)** - Developing resilience and perseverance in physical activity. - Recognising the importance of mental strength and motivation in sport. - Reflecting on personal bests, challenges, and goal setting. **English / Oracy & Literacy (KS3)** - Developing skills in narrative interpretation and emotional literacy. - Expressing personal reflections with clarity and depth.