Top classroom ideas to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee

We’re fast approaching a monumental moment in Queen Elizabeth II’s record-breaking reign, but what can teachers do to mark the Platinum Jubilee?

Major events from 2^nd – 5^th June will mark the occasion, but these provide just a starting point for focusing on all things royal. It’s important to look at why the Jubilee is so significant and to provide pupils with the context behind the Queen’s remarkable reign.

From looking at the Queen’s life to creating poetry and designing colourful bunting, there are numerous activities for pupils of all ages to get involved in. Here we have a look at what teachers could do in the classroom, alongside some useful resources for bringing the Platinum Jubilee celebrations to life…

Celebrating 70 years on the throne

Her Majesty has spent an incredible 70 years on the throne and it’s fair to say a lot has changed during her reign. Fourteen prime ministers have been elected, for example. You may wish to use lesson time to compare then and now, whether it’s historic events, the evolution of sport or even to map progress in science and technology.

Given all of the technology available today, it’s easy to forget that the Queen had been on the Throne for nearly four decades before Tim Berners-Lee introduced the World Wide Web to the globe. This is just one example of major change, but you may also want to look at developments in food production, the film or music industries, or even the worlds of construction, art and design.

Alternatively, you may wish to focus on some of the big incidents that have taken place during the Queen’s reign by encouraging pupils to develop newspaper front pages or TV reports on them.

Another option is for pupils to write a letter to the Queen where they’re tasked with addressing key issues around social change, climate or politics. This is a great way for older pupils to relate topical issues to parts of the curriculum, helping to develop key analytical skills in the process.

Looking at the Commonwealth

In addition to Britain, the Queen is also the Head of State in several other countries and dependencies. You may wish to look at the history and culture of these regions or look at their role in shaping the world as we see it today.

Furthermore, you could look at cultural events through the lens of the forthcoming Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, taking place in July and August.

Some useful resources

If you’re looking to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in the classroom there are many different resources at your disposal.

Teachers can access a set of themed documents at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), while TES has worksheets and presentations for pupils of all ages.

Further lesson concepts for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee can be found at Teaching Ideas, which features inspirational ideas across a range of different subjects.