Lesson 3: The British Response to the AIDS Crisis – LGBTQ+ History KS3 (Full Scheme Available)

This is the third lesson in a 6-lesson LGBTQ+ History scheme designed for high-ability KS3 (Year 9) or as a pre-GCSE bridge. It tackles the sensitive and vital topic of the AIDS crisis, its disproportionate impact on the LGBTQ+ community, and the British government and media’s varied responses. Students engage with real historical evidence, interpretation work, and structured reflection on prejudice, policy, and activism.

Lesson focus:
How did Britain respond to the AIDS crisis, and what was the impact on the LGBTQ+ community?

Includes:

Fully resourced and editable PowerPoint

Do Now, Deep Thinking Challenge (DTC), and recap tasks

Clear explanation of HIV/AIDS, stigma, and the role of media and government

Structured analysis of primary evidence and case studies (e.g. Section 28, Princess Diana, media narratives)

Interpretation task comparing two historians’ views

GCSE-style judgement paragraph writing

Opportunities for discussion, empathy, and cross-curricular PSHE links

Curriculum Fit:

KS3 History (Year 9)

Pre-GCSE support for Edexcel Paper 1 and Paper 2 (skills: interpretation, causation, judgement)

Strong links to PSHE, Citizenship, and diversity education

Part of a full LGBTQ+ History Scheme (full bundle available separately)