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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the Equality Act, how it protects people from discrimination, and what to do if I witness discrimination.

      Key learning points

      1. The Equality Act of 2010 sets out a list of protected characteristics that are legally safeguarded from discrimination.
      2. Sex is a protected characteristic.
      3. Gender reassignment is a protected characteristic.
      4. These protections apply in many areas of life, including employment, education and access to public services.
      5. If you witness discrimination of any kind, you should report it to an appropriate person or authority.

      Keywords

      • Equality Act of 2010 - a British law passed in 2010 that makes some forms of discrimination unlawful

      • Discrimination - when people are treated differently because of things like their race, sex or beliefs

      Common misconception

      The Equality Act means treating everyone exactly the same.

      The Equality Act can mean adjustments are made to prevent discrimination.

      Teacher tip

      Present this content as a factual explanation of the law. Keep the focus on legal rights rather than personal opinion.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which word means the state of being equal, especially in status, rights and opportunities?

      Correct Answer: equality

      Q2.
      A is a rule that everyone in a country must follow.

      Correct Answer: law

      Q3.
      Match each situation to whether it shows fair or unfair treatment.

      Correct Answer:refusing job to qualified woman,discrimination

      discrimination

      Correct Answer:providing sign language interpreter,reasonable adjustment

      reasonable adjustment

      Correct Answer:paying different wages for same job,equal

      equal

      Correct Answer:judging candidates on skills only,fair selection

      fair selection

      Q4.
      Which of these is an example of treating someone fairly at work?

      only hiring people who look the same
      refusing to interview certain groups
      Correct answer: judging people only on their skills and experience
      making assumptions based on someone's age

      Q5.
      Why do we need laws about treating people fairly?

      Correct answer: to protect people from unfair treatment
      to make everyone exactly the same
      to make life more complicated
      to control what people think

      Q6.
      What does it mean to treat someone with respect?

      always agreeing with everything they say
      giving them whatever they want
      avoiding talking to them completely
      Correct answer: valuing them as a person regardless of differences

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the Equality Act of 2010 designed to do?

      decide working hours for all jobs
      Correct answer: protect people with protected characteristics from discrimination
      set school rules and responsibilities
      decide pay for every job

      Q2.
      The Equality Act lists characteristics that are legally protected from unfair treatment.

      Correct Answer: nine, 9, protected, nine protected, 9 protected

      Q3.
      Match the term to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:Equality Act of 2010,a British law that makes some forms of discrimination unlawful

      a British law that makes some forms of discrimination unlawful

      Correct Answer:discrimination,when people are treated unfairly because of their characteristics

      when people are treated unfairly because of their characteristics

      Correct Answer:protected characteristic,a quality or feature that is legally safeguarded from unfair treatment

      a quality or feature that is legally safeguarded from unfair treatment

      Q4.
      What should you do if you witness serious discrimination?

      Correct answer: tell a trusted adult
      Correct answer: don’t join in
      ignore it
      share harmful comments online

      To help you plan your 10 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Equality in modern Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...