Teachers

The main activity of the LIFE Education department takes place in schools.  Our presentations are designed to support school curriculums in a variety of areas, and to develop pupils' knowledge and critical thinking skills.  LIFE presentations approach topics from a pro-life perspective, but they are not didactic, and we seek to provide pupils with challenging questions and fresh perspectives as well as offering arguments for our own position.  We always try to make time for questions and discussion.

Our speakers can talk on the following topics: embryo research and artificial reproductive technologies; abortion; relationships and sex, and assisted suicide/euthanasia.  These talks are usually suitable for Years 10-13; however, they can sometimes be adapted for younger age groups if necessary.  We also offer a Life Before Birth talk for primary-age pupils.  This is a simple, non-controversial look at the development of the human being in the first nine months.  No mention is made of abortion or any other difficult ethical issue. 

As well as stand-alone sessions on specific topics, which usually take around one hour (including time for questions), we also offer two half-day conferences, which explore in a thematic way some of the ethical problems thrown up by various issues.  These conferences tackle a widerrange of life ssues and give pupils more time to reflect and discuss than a stand-alone talk.  They incorporate three talks on particular issues and a number of workshops and Q and A sessions to maximise pupil participation, and have become increasingly popular over the last few years, with both teachers and pupils.   

For high-ability groups we also offer a Critical Thinking conference.  This conference is designed to encourage pupils to reflect very deeply on the basic principles underlying the debates about abortion and embryo research, and to subject their own ideas and the media presentation of ethical debates to rigorous critical scrutiny.  The conference culminates in a Parliamentary-style debate giving pupils the chance to explain and defend their own viewpoints using the skills and information imparted during the day.

FAQs

Are LIFE's presentations based on religious arguments?

No. LIFE is not a religious organisation and we do not use religious ideas in our presentations.  Our arguments are grounded in humanist principles of justice, equality, democracy and human rights.

Is there a chance for pupils to participate?

Yes. At conferences and talks, we invite questions and try to ensure that our presentations are interactive wherever possible.

Do you use graphic images of abortion? 

No. As a matter of policy, LIFE never uses graphic images of abortion. We use images of developing unborn children in the womb in some talks.

Can your talks be adapted according to ability and age-group? 

Yes. We know from experience that all groups are different and may have different requirements.

Will the presence of a teacher be required during the talk? 

For reasons of behaviour and health and safety, we do ask that a member of staff is present during talks wherever possible.

How long is a LIFE speaker's talk?

Standard presentations usually last around an hour, including time for questions.

Half day conferences are also available.

Can I look at the speaker's presentation and materials before the talk? 

Yes. Individual Education Officers will be more than happy to preview their materials in advance and discuss any questions you may have.