We are reintroducing the Viral Contagion teaching and learning resource, which was designed to help pupils understand how to apply complex mathematical concepts within a real-world scenario.

This resource was originally created and published before the COVID-19 pandemic. In a development that felt prophetic at the time, its focus on contagion modelling gained an unexpected and profound relevance.

Contextual Withdrawal and Reintroduction

Due to the deep stress, loss, and trauma experienced by many families and children across the UK during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, the resource was sensitively withdrawn from circulation.

We have now made the material available once more. However, before incorporating it into your curriculum, we ask that all educators give careful and thoughtful consideration to its potential impact on pupils.

Please download the script below and read aloud to your pupils before distributing the resource or beginning the main activity

Download the Pupil Introduction Script

Advisory for Educators

• Potential for Triggering: The content, despite being mathematically focused, may unpredictably trigger or remind some pupils of their stressful or traumatic experiences during lockdown, including the loss or death of friends or family members.
• Anticipated Response: While we anticipate that most pupils will respond positively to the engaging and stimulating nature of the material, caution is strongly advised.
• Due Diligence: Please ensure you conduct a thorough impact assessment within your specific school context before using this material as part of your maths curriculum delivery.

Key Emphasise Points

When using the resource, it is crucially important to highlight the following to your pupils:

• The material is based on a fictitious outbreak.
• It was created entirely before the emergence of COVID-19.

Support for Pupils

Should a pupil become visibly distressed or upset due to the use of this material, our partnership with Child Bereavement UK offers invaluable support resources for managing bereavement. This resource can be found here: sabp.lgfl.org.uk.

For any queries regarding this resource, or for advice on how to maximise its educational impact while minimising potential disruption, please contact: contentsupport.lgfl.net.

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