Working Together PSHE lesson
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 5 and 6 that helps UK teachers introduce teamwork, collaboration and working with different people through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn how teamwork can help a group achieve more than individuals working alone, and practise recognising strengths, valuing different perspectives and working respectfully with peers from different backgrounds.
Goal Setting, Mindset & Self-Worth
Snapshot
Working Together
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce teamwork and collaboration skills through practical, classroom-based discussion.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Understanding how teamwork helps a group achieve shared goals
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 that teams often achieve more when people work together than when they work alone
recognise that different people bring different strengths, skills and perspectives to a group
recognise examples of teamwork and collaboration from everyday school life
Understand
understand why valuing different perspectives, backgrounds and ideas can strengthen a team
understand how fair listening and shared decision making support effective group work
Practise
practise contributing ideas and listening to others during group discussion
practise recognising their own strengths and how these can support a team
practise reflecting on what helped or hindered teamwork in a group task
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for upper primary pupils in Years 5 and 6 who are building skills in collaboration, self awareness and working with others.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
group work and collaborative learning preparation
class culture and inclusion focused sessions
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 group work expectations Use when pupils are about to start a collaborative project and need shared language for effective teamwork.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing respect, fairness and inclusion within everyday class activities.
Supporting inclusion Use when helping pupils recognise the value of different perspectives, backgrounds and ways of thinking within a team.
Reinforcing PSHE learning on respect and fairness Use when connecting teamwork skills to broader relationships education themes.
Preparing for transition Use when pupils are forming new groups or classes and need to build collaborative habits early.
Creating a structured PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led session focused on reflection and self awareness around group work.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Working well with others is a skill pupils use across school life, from group projects to sports and everyday classroom activities. Understanding how teamwork helps a group achieve more gives pupils practical language for contributing, listening and valuing what others bring to a task. Teamwork also connects to respect and inclusion. When pupils recognise that people bring different strengths, backgrounds and perspectives, they build a more accurate understanding of how diverse teams can work effectively together. The lesson gives teachers a structured way to build these habits early, supporting pupils to reflect on their own contribution and recognise the value of collaboration without relying on a single group task to teach the skill.
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
Self awareness Pupils reflect on their own strengths and how these contribute to a team.
Collaboration Pupils practise listening to others and sharing ideas fairly in group discussion.
Respect for difference Pupils consider how different backgrounds and perspectives can strengthen a team.
Communication Pupils practise expressing ideas clearly and respectfully within a group.
Reflection Pupils think about what has helped or hindered teamwork in their own experience.
Confidence Pupils recognise their contribution to a group task.
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 not to share personal stories on behalf of family members or cultural groups
Frame discussion around general examples and scenarios rather than personal disclosures
Identify a shared group task or example pupils can discuss without naming classmates
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.
During delivery
Use general examples of group work, such as class projects, sports teams or shared tasks
Encourage pupils to speak from their own experience rather than for a wider group or culture
Give pupils time to reflect individually before sharing ideas aloud
Reinforce that there are no right or wrong answers when discussing personal strengths
Supporting safe discussion
Encourage privacy and respectful discussion when pupils share examples
Ask pupils not to name classmates when describing group work experiences
Use general examples or scenarios rather than personal disclosures where possible
Adaptation options
Use partner discussion for pupils who are less confident speaking in a whole class setting
Extend the reflection task for pupils ready to think more deeply about their contribution to a team
Adjust examples to suit pupils' current group work experiences, such as class projects or sports
