A clear visual overview of the immune system, covering the roles of phagocytes, antigen presenting cells, T-helper cells, T-cytotoxic cells, plasma cells and memory cells. The diagram shows the sequence after infection with a new pathogen, which leads to clonal selection of B cells, production of antibodies by plasma cells, and agglutination. Finally, the diagram shows how agglutination leads to phagocytosis of clusters of pathogens which bear the foreign antigen. This would be an excellent aid for revision of this area, alternatively, it could be given to students at the start of the topic to help orientate them as they learn about each interaction in sequence (note this resource is also available as part of the second lesson bundle for the combined cost of £3). Students often struggle to recall the complex interactions between the cells in the immune system and I was unable to find a resource which gave a clear visual overview. I took my time and created this resource which has served my students well over the years since I created it. Sections can also be transfered to powerpoint presentations conveniently using the snipping tool to either facilitate creating further revision resources, or adapt resources you may have.

Lesson outcomes: relating previous knowledge of protein structure, describe the structure of antibodies; explain the specificity of an antibody to a particular antigen; explain how antibodies lead to the destruction of pathogens. Some focus on review of cell mediated immunity also. Starter: 15 question quiz on cell mediated immunity Presentation: Advice on which parts of the immune response to prioritise in responses to exam questions (slides are hidden but unhide if required). Illustrated slides to explain the roles of T helper cells in activating B cells to undergo clonal selection, and subsequent production of antibodies by plasma cells. Slides detailing antibody structure. A reduced (printable) student version of the main powerpoint, so they can annotate this from the main presentation (4 slides, I print this backed and 2 per page on a single sheet) 2 printable exam questions on antibody structure (mark schemes also in the powerpoint) Students are encouraged to research the differences between the primary and secondary immune response using prompt material in the powerpoint if lesson time allows. There is a page reference for content found in the CGP year 1 and AS textbook, but this can easily be substituted for an alternative textbook.

An introduction to the immunity topic which first explores the key terms used at GCSE level and extends the list through an active starter. The main focus of this lesson is antigen recognition, and the steps involved in phagocytosis. Relevant statements from the AQA A level Biology specification are shared with students at the start, there are a few slides (mainly for interest) on types of organism that are dealt with by the immune system, and relative size. This leads to detailed, but straight forward explanation of phagocytosis with a link to a short clip to watch. There is a reduced version of this powerpoint which can be printed for students if you wish, so they can annotate it whilst you present the pain powerpoint rather than copying everything down. There is an 5 mark exam question on phagocytosis with mark scheme available within the main presentation. Finally a review of learning is covered through a gap fill and some questions which touch on some ethical issues, and these are great for stimulating some further discussion if time allows.

Starter: A simple crossword that covers some key terms from previous content on phagocytosis, on the reverse of this sheet is a table for students to record introductory information about B and T cells provided on the powerpoint Students learn to explain the roles played by helper T cells, antigen-presenting cells in the cellular response, and the role of helper T cells (TH cells) in stimulating cytotoxic T-cells (TC cells), B cells and phagocytes. Learning is through active note making, a short link to a useful online clip, paired discussion and a scaffolded longer response question. Carefully illustrated slides facilitate the teacher explanation of the above, using screenshots of my illustrated immunity overview diagram. This excellent resource is listed separately as a revision tool for the topic as a whole, but is available as part of the bundle for this lesson, (since I normally give it out to help students to orientate themselves in their learning of the topic in lesson 2).

Key outcomes for the lesson: explain why vaccination is able to protect against diseases caused by particular pathogens compare and contrast active and passive immunity (also natural and artificial), and categorise given examples   explain what is meant by herd immunity, and why it is able to protect unvaccinated individuals in a population. Explore ethical issues surrounding vaccine use The main powerpoint guides students through these objectives. A reduced version of the powerpoint is included in the resources and this can be printed for students to annotate. Students have a comprehension sheet to read, which is intended to develop their appreciation of possible ethical issues related to vaccine use including: concerns about their possible harmful side-effects; compelling individuals to be vaccinated for the benefit of society; uneven access to the benefits of vaccines; selection and use of individuals for clinical trials of vaccines. The questions are great for generating discussion in small groups and then reviewing as a whole class. There is an accompanying sheet with some guidance on discussing these issues with students. The final slide of the powerpoint is a checklist of outcomes for the immunity topic, and it can be printed at any point in the lesson sequence to facilitate students reflecting on their learning. A possible plenary sheet is included which simply includes the objectives in the centre of a page with space for reflective annotation.

Students learn to explain how the specificity of monoclonal antibodies enables them to be used, and they study the example of a pregnancy test and also targeting of medication to cancerous cells. The lesson also provides a great opportunity to discuss ethical issues associated with the use of monoclonal antibodies. Lesson summary: 6 mark revision question on vaccines with mark scheme and advice about a common pitfall Introduction to key term: monoclonal antibodies (v polyclonal) Students invited to consider the advantages of targeting of medication to cancerous cells (using monoclonal antibodies) over chemotherapy Students study some text and a diagram which explains how pregnancy tests work, they then have to recall these steps with only use of the diagram Gap fill task (can be printed from the powerpoint slide) with solution, to consolidate learning so far Group work discussion task: Students presented with 4 dilemmas and some light scaffolding to assist them with a group discussion, and they record their reflections on the printed sheets. Teacher feedback and group discussion Resources also include an abbreviated version of the lesson on paper, which could be used or adapted as a cover lesson