Card Sort: What were the arguments for & against Pit Closures in 1992?

This high-quality card sort activity supports students in exploring the political, economic, environmental and social arguments surrounding the proposed pit closures of 1992.

In October 1992, the UK government announced plans to shut 31 remaining deep coal mines, a decision that would lead to around 30,000 job losses. The rationale put forward centred on the declining viability of British coal in a global market where imported energy was becoming far cheaper. This shift contributed to the wider ‘Dash for Gas’ and marked a significant moment in the decline of Britain’s coal industry. The announcement sparked intense national debate about economic priorities, energy policy and the future of long-standing mining communities.

This resource fits naturally into GCSE History units on modern Britain, economic change, and post-war governments, as well as KS3 studies of twentieth-century Britain and deindustrialisation. It also works effectively in Citizenship lessons examining how governments make decisions, how policy affects communities and how Parliament debates major national issues. Geography teachers exploring deindustrialisation, globalisation and shifts in the UK’s energy mix will also find this a useful and engaging cross-curricular activity.

When you purchase this resource, you will receive a fully editable, single-page Word document that includes a clear learning objective, simple instructions, two heading cards and fourteen statement cards that can be sorted into arguments for or against the closures. These can the be further classified into social, political, economic and environmental arguments. We have also included an accompanying PowerPoint which includes aims, objectives, differentiated outcomes, information slides,video clips an extended writing or speech writing activity, which could be used as a follow up activity.

The activity works well as a starter, plenary or main task and complements any mainstream textbook or scheme of work. Its open-ended format makes it accessible to all ability levels and ideal for pair or group discussion as well as assessment for learning.

Learning Objectives

Know: Why the UK government decided to close its remaining coal mines in 1992.
Understand: The arguments for and against pit closures.
Evaluate: Whether the government was right to close the coal industry in 1992.

WILF - What am I Looking For?
Identify & describe: Why did the UK government decide to close its remaining coal mines in 1992?
Explain: What were the arguments for and against pit closures?
Analyse: Should the British government have decided to close down the coal industry in 1992?

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Kind regards,
Roy