Leadership for Change curriculum

Empower students with the tools and knowledge to address misinformation in a “post-truth” world.

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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ROLEX. The Economist Educational Foundation maintained editorial control.

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This curriculum is also available in our resource library.

Collage of pages from the Leadership for Change Preparation Pack

Preparation pack

We've put together a handy pack that explains everything you need to do to run the Leadership for Change Prize 2025.

Collage of pages from lesson one of the Leadership for Change curriculum

Lesson 1: News you trust

Students will…

  • Investigate how images shape trust in the news
  • Compare the core skills of journalists and leaders
  • Discuss and debate truth in a changing media landscape
Collage of pages from lesson two of the Leadership for Change curriculum

Lesson 2: Social media and the news

Students will…

  • Explore how echo chambers can impact decision-making
  • Learn from a leader on social media and truth
  • Discuss the risks and benefits of using social media as a source of news
Collage of pages from lesson three of the Leadership for Change curriculum

Lesson 3: AI and the news

Students will…

  • Discover how journalists are using AI in the newsroom
  • Hear from a media leader at the forefront of AI innovation
  • Debate whether AI is a force for truth or misinformation
Collage of pages from lesson four of the Leadership for Change curriculum

Lesson 4: Press regulations and the news

Students will…

  • Explore what press freedom means – locally and globally
  • Debate the limits of what journalists should report
  • Hear real-world insights from a leader in press freedoms
Collage of pages from lesson five of the Leadership for Change curriculum

Lesson 5: Projects for Change

Students will…

  • Use an ideas matrix to generate ideas for their own "Project for Change"
  • Create a project plan
  • Draft their "Project for Change" pitches
Collage of pages from lesson size of the Leadership for Change curriculum

Lesson 6: Presentation of pitches

Students will…

  • Pitch their media literacy projects and receive feedback
  • Reflect on the knowledge and skills they’ve gained over the curriculum
  • Work with teachers to submit their pitches for a chance to win the Leadership for Change Prize 2025.
  • Please note: the competition is now closed but you can run your own competition or student can pitch their ideas without them needing to be judged.