Our Honours System is a great example of British Values in action, a topic which aligns with curriculum for both primary and high schools. With that in mind, the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy has developed a flexible interactive Honours Programme to provide schools with a resource they can use when exploring British Values. Young people have engaged enthusiastically with the programme, teachers have found it easy and enjoyable to deliver, and an OFSTED Inspector, who saw part of it delivered, described it as ‘the most powerful act of British Values’ he has seen.
But why have we created it? Well, every day ‘ordinary’ people make an extraordinary difference across the UK. The Chances are that most people know at least one who immediately springs to mind. However, most will not have thought of nominating them for an Honour. Reading the national media coverage of the New Year and Birthday Honours Lists, our young people might come away with the mistaken impression that honours are only awarded to household names, or the retired who have dedicated their entire lives to community or charitable service.
Yet the reality is that each year The King recognises the extraordinary achievements of people from all walks of life, and all ages, within our communities. These are the people who really make a difference to the lives of those around them. Around 70% of people who receive an honour are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities.
There is also no age limit on who can nominate somebody for an honour or who can receive an honour. People as young as young as 9 have received an honour. For example, 9-year-old Tony Hudgell, who received a BEM in the 2024 New Year Honours list for raising £1.8m for the NHS, and inspiring an English law change, known as “Tony’s Law”, to increase prison sentences for those convicted of child cruelty and neglect. There have also been 11, 12- and 13-year old recipients.
It seems perfectly reasonable then that young people are given this insight into our Honours System. The interactive programme is specifically designed to be delivered by teachers who have no prior knowledge of the Honours System with minimal preparation. All materials, including presentations and workbooks, are available electronically together with delivery notes.
All modules link back into curriculum (PSHE British Values as referenced in the PSHE Association framework) with key elements of literacy and oracy and include peer-led learning and a maximum praise approach. We suggest that it is most appropriate for primary school years 5 and 6 and secondary school years 7, 8 and 9. We recognise that this may not be the case for special schools, where teachers are best placed to make a judgement on the most appropriate year group.
The Secondary School programme comprises several modules which can be delivered flexibly, most commonly starting with an assembly which is then followed by either a
- Drop down day (or 2 half days) for a full year group which culminates in a presentation event
- Half-term/term project with lessons spaced out which culminates in a presentation event
For Primary Schools
- Half-term/term project with lessons spaced out which culminates in an Honours Investiture Ceremony where children can share and celebrate their learning which can be attended by local dignitaries.
A list of Frequently asked Questions is here and if you would like to explore delivering this Honours Programme, please email the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy: schools@gmlo.org and we’d be happy to provide you with the materials and delivery notes.
We look forward to working with you to engage our wonderful young people.