Social enterprises trade in order to tackle social problems and improve communities, people’s life chances, or the environment. These learning resources have been designed as six lessons for pupils aged 7-14. Guided by their teachers, pupils explore examples of social enterprises started by children and adults around the world. By the end of this learning unit, pupils will have created their own social enterprise project. At the same time, they will develop a range of important core skills: citizenship, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity, imagination and innovation. An engaging way to learn about social enterprises is to get involved in running one and can improve attendance, behaviour, and enthusiasm among pupils.

Our reliance on fossil fuels is making drastic changes to our climate. Nevertheless, renewable energy is becoming increasingly cost effective, particularly in remote areas. One of the creative capacities of the Connecting Classrooms core skills course, creativity and imagination, is ‘envisaging what might be’. The topic of off-grid solar energy offers great potential for students to visualize and design alternative solutions to a range of challenges. These learning materials can be adapted to the context of each school and the needs of specific students. There are five lessons of 60 minutes each designed for pupils aged nine to 13 years.