Sec Values - Respect & Inclusion 5: Malahat (1/2)

Teacher notes

This is the 5th lesson in the Year of Values series (secondary). Students will explore how respect can mean recognising and valuing others’ different life paths, and begin to consider how hopes and dreams are shaped by context. In this storyworld, we meet Malahat, an 11-year-old girl living in Baku, Azerbaijan. Passionate about dancing, she dreams of becoming a professional dancer while living with her family in shared accommodation originally built for oil workers. Through scenes of her daily life, her dance training, and celebrations like Nowruz, students gain insight into Malahat’s culture, her resilience, and the power of holding onto one’s hopes even in challenging circumstances. This story invites reflection on respect, cultural identity, and the importance of making space for every young person’s dreams. What this storyworld offers for this lesson and the next: an 11‑year‑old aspiring dancer, Malahat, in Baku, Azerbaijan; 360° spaces in her home and city; a short film of her daily life, challenges, and hopes; rich media on Baku, Nowruz, and an interview with the filmmaker Parvana. Value lens: Respect & Inclusion as recognising the dignity of different ways of living and making space for young voices, dreams, and cultural traditions. 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. In this session, we continue to focus on the values of respect and inclusion, but not by giving a fixed definition. Instead, we’ll reflect, question, and explore how people like us (and unlike us) live out this value in the real world. This is about growing our awareness of ourselves and others and being aware of the relationship between the two. Together, we’ll develop our own understanding through thoughtful reflection and respectful dialogue. Pedagogy note: Lyfta’s Human Connection Methodology - we're encountering a real person, slow down to listen, notice your reactions (curiosity, surprise, discomfort), then reflect on how this changes your understanding and actions. **Lesson objectives:** Students will: - Explore the power of small acts of kindness and visibility - Make connections between personal values and everyday choices - Begin to define what respect and inclusion means in their own lives Storyworld values themes: Respect · Inclusion · Responsibility · Connection · Belonging **National Curriculum Links** PSHE / RSHE (Statutory 2020, PSHE Association Programme of Study) KS3 H2: to understand what can affect wellbeing and resilience (e.g. life changes, relationships, achievements). H4: strategies to build resilience and respond to setbacks. R32: how to show respect for the views, feelings and needs of others. R33: recognising the impact of their actions on others, and strategies for considering the needs of others. R39: the impact of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination on individuals and relationships. R40: about the unacceptability of prejudice-based language and behaviour, offline and online. R41: the need to promote inclusion and challenge discrimination, and how to do so safely. KS4 H3: strategies to manage influences on wellbeing, aspirations and self-esteem. R37: the skills and strategies to manage mature relationships, including empathy and compassion. R41: as above, promoting inclusion and challenging discrimination. R42: ways to participate actively in community life, showing care and support for others. Citizenship (KS3/KS4) The diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the UK and the need for mutual respect and understanding. The importance of human rights and the responsibilities of citizens. English (KS3) Listening to and building on the contributions of others. Understanding and interpreting non-fiction and media texts, including those presenting personal experiences.