Sec Values - Courage & Resilience 4: Kootyin

Teacher notes

This is the 4th sesson in the "Courage and Resilience" unit. Students will meet Kootyin and learn about the way in which she tries to preserve local history in Hong Kong. Her story invites students to explore quieter forms of courage: standing in grief, holding unresolved injustices, and tending to community when recognition or success are unlikely. This is a powerful shift from personal triumph (Catherine, Lukas) in previous sessions in this unit, toward collective care, cultural memory, and intergenerational responsibility. You can follow this short lesson up by exploring more about Kootyin and oral histories in the lessons 'Oral Histories Part 1 and Part 2'. Suggested teacher introduction (read or adapt): "So far, we’ve seen courage in sport, struggle, and faith. Today we meet someone whose courage is less about fighting and more holding and noticing. Holding injustice, holding memory, holding community. Let’s meet Kootyin." **Curriculum links (KS3/KS4):** Citizenship (KS3/KS4): Rights and responsibilities, protest and activism, global citizenship English/Literacy: Analysing character and theme, exploring meaning through documentary, expressive and reflective writing. SMSC: Intercultural understanding, compassion, moral courage, care ethics. PSHE KS3: H1 – to accurately assess physical, emotional and social wellbeing, and make informed choices that promote wellbeing. H3 – how to manage growth and change, including physical and emotional changes. H4 – strategies for managing influences on health and wellbeing, including emotional resilience and coping with setbacks. R33 – the impact of relationships on physical and emotional health. L2 – how skills, interests and qualities contribute to future choices and wellbeing. L4 – the skills and qualities needed to manage change and develop resilience. L5 – how to evaluate personal strengths, challenges and areas for growth. L8 – the importance of community participation and active citizenship. PSHE KS4: H2 – how to recognise and manage influences on wellbeing, including peers, media and social norms. H3 – how to maintain emotional and mental wellbeing, including resilience and accessing support. H4 – strategies for managing stress, influence and coping with change. R34 – the impact of positive relationships, community and cultural identity on wellbeing. L3 – how to develop employability and life skills through resilience and adaptability. L5 – how to reflect on personal strengths and achievements. L8 – the importance of active citizenship and contributing to community. Citizenship KS3 and KS4: Rights and responsibilities; protest and activism; global citizenship. Intercultural understanding; justice; compassion; moral courage; care ethics.