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Act of courage

Think about what qualities motivate us to help others and consider the importance of personal safety while helping. 

Age:

11 - 16

Subjects:

PSHE, Tutor time

Topics:

Newsthink, Disaster and emergencies

Type:

Lesson plan

On 26 May 2018, Malian immigrant Mamoudou Gassama made headlines after his dramatic climb up a building to rescue a young child hanging from a balcony. He has been praised for his bravery, as he focused on trying to save the boy before he fell.

This activity looks at what motivates people to help, the qualities of a helper and other ways of helping while keeping yourself safe.


Resource overview

1. Starter activity: Balcony rescue

Review the dramatic event and watch the video.

2. Discussion: Thinking instinctively

Learners consider what it means to think instinctively, what led Mamoudou to help, what the risks were and alternative, safer ways of helping.

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