Lesson Plan

• Describe the four essential elements of negligence and the legal tests that determine duty of care.
• Explain how breach, causation and damage are assessed, including the “but‑for” and remoteness tests.
• Apply case law (e.g., Donoghue, Caparo, Wagon Mound) to analyse factual scenarios and identify possible defences.
• Calculate appropriate compensatory damages, adjusting for contributory negligence where relevant.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides summarising the four elements and key cases
• Handout with a flow‑chart diagram of negligence
• Scenario worksheets for group activity
• Whiteboard and markers
• Exit‑ticket slips

Begin with a brief news headline about a recent negligence claim to capture interest. Ask students what they already know about duty of care and link it to the success criteria: identifying the four elements, applying legal tests, and recognising defences.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick revision checklist – students tick the six steps of a negligence claim.
2. Mini‑lecture (15'): Overview of the four elements with illustrated case law (Donoghue, Caparo, Bolam, Wagon Mound).
3. Group activity (10'): Given a fact pattern, groups determine duty, breach, causation and damage, referencing the appropriate tests.
4. Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups present findings; teacher clarifies misconceptions and highlights defences.
5. Diagram labeling (5'): Students complete the flow‑chart handout, adding sub‑branches for tests and defences.
6. Exit ticket (5'): Write one key takeaway and one question they still have.

Recap the four elements and how the leading cases shape their application. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign a short homework: analyse a new scenario and identify any possible defences.