Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Year 12 (A‑Level) Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Economics
Lesson Topic: patterns and trends in (un)employment
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the key definitions of employment, unemployment, labour force and economic inactivity.
  • Calculate the unemployment rate using the standard formula.
  • Analyse UK unemployment data (1990‑2024) to distinguish cyclical from structural patterns.
  • Evaluate which policy responses are appropriate for different types of unemployment.
  • Interpret complementary labour‑market indicators (employment rate, LFPR, vacancy rate) to assess overall market health.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Handout with UK unemployment data table
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software
  • Sticky notes for quick responses
  • Exit‑ticket cards
 Introduction:

Begin with a rapid “What is unemployment?” poll on sticky notes to activate prior knowledge. Highlight that today’s success criteria are to calculate rates, read trends, and link policies to specific unemployment types.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Students write one definition of employment or unemployment on a sticky note; teacher checks understanding.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present definitions, the unemployment‑rate formula, and a quick calculation example.
  3. Data analysis activity (15') – In groups, students plot the UK unemployment rates (1992‑2024), identify cyclical spikes and the post‑2015 structural decline, and complete a worksheet.
  4. Policy‑matching game (10') – Teams match types of unemployment (cyclical, structural, frictional, seasonal) with appropriate policy responses using cards.
  5. Indicator extension (8') – Brief overview of employment rate, LFPR, vacancy rate and the Beveridge Curve; discuss what they reveal about labour‑market tightness.
  6. Whole‑class synthesis (7') – Groups share findings; teacher probes misconceptions.
  7. Exit ticket (5') – Each student writes one key insight and one lingering question.
Conclusion:

Recap the main patterns observed in the UK data and how different policies target specific unemployment types. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: research the latest UK unemployment figures and write a 150‑word commentary on any new trends.