Negotiation 101 PSHE lesson plan
A PSHE lesson for Year 12 that helps UK teachers introduce practical negotiation skills through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn how to prepare for a negotiation, listen to another person's position and work towards a fair outcome in everyday and academic situations. The lesson draws on ideas used by experienced negotiation practitioners and adapts them for a school context, giving pupils language they can use when negotiating workload, group responsibilities or future study and work commitments.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Negotiation 101
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce negotiation as a practical communication skill, using ideas drawn from professional negotiation practice.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Building practical negotiation and communication skills for everyday and academic situations
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise negotiation as a normal part of school, study and everyday life
recognise the difference between negotiating respectfully and trying to win an argument
recognise when a situation calls for compromise rather than confrontation
Understand
understand why preparation and active listening support a fairer negotiation outcome
understand how clear communication and boundaries can support academic success and healthy relationships
Practise
practise expressing their needs and expectations clearly and respectfully
practise listening to another person's position before responding
practise language for reaching a fair outcome or compromise
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Year 12 pupils who are developing the communication and self-management skills needed for study, part time work and independent life.
It is suitable for:
sixth form PSHE lessons
relationships education and communication skills sessions
pastoral care, form time or study skills programmes
careers or work readiness sessions
preparing pupils for group work, part time employment or further study
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing negotiation as a life skill Use when pupils are new to structured negotiation and need simple, practical language to start with.
Supporting study skills or careers programmes Use when linking communication skills to workload management, group work or future employment.
Reinforcing group work and collaboration Use when pupils are working on shared tasks and need to divide responsibilities or manage disagreements fairly.
Practising respectful disagreement Use when pupils need practice expressing a different view without arguing or shutting down discussion.
Preparing for work experience or part time employment Use when pupils are approaching situations where they may need to negotiate hours, tasks or expectations.
Supporting transition to further study or employment Use when pupils are preparing for greater independence and need confidence in everyday negotiation.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils negotiate more often than they may realise, from agreeing group work roles to managing deadlines, part time jobs and family expectations. Without practical language for this, negotiation can feel like something to avoid or something to win at all costs. Negotiation 101 reframes negotiation as a communication skill rather than a confrontation. It gives pupils a calm, structured way to prepare their position, listen to others and work towards outcomes that feel fair to everyone involved. Building this skill early supports pupils in academic settings and in the relationships, study and work situations they will move into after school.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Communication skills Pupils practise expressing their needs and position clearly.
Active listening Pupils consider another person's perspective before responding.
Self-advocacy Pupils practise speaking up for what they need in a respectful way.
Boundary setting Pupils explore how to state limits or expectations without conflict.
Collaborative problem-solving Pupils work towards outcomes that consider more than one point of view.
Confidence in discussion Pupils rehearse language for negotiation in a low-pressure classroom setting.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils to use general examples rather than naming classmates, teachers or family members
Frame discussion around scenarios pupils may recognise, not personal disputes
Prepare examples that relate to study, group work or part time employment
Consider pupils' existing experience of negotiating with teachers, employers or family
During delivery
Encourage pupils to prepare their position before discussing or practising a negotiation
Reinforce that negotiation is about finding a fair outcome, not winning an argument
Give pupils time to practise phrases for expressing needs and listening to others
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, written reflection or paired talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep discussion focused on respectful communication rather than personal conflicts
Remind pupils that some disagreements may need support from a teacher, tutor or trusted adult
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
Adaptation options
Use paired or small group discussion for confident pupils
Use written reflection for pupils who prefer to process ideas individually
Extend the lesson by linking negotiation scenarios to careers, further study or work experience contexts
