Topical Talk

Flags: symbols of unity or causes of conflict?

Across the world, flying a flag can be a powerful symbol of unity and pride. But flags can also cause division.

Collage of pages from the “Flags: symbols of unity or causes of conflict?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 17 October 2025

This lesson is more than 7 months old. Please check the facts before teaching to ensure they are up-to-date and still correct.

About this lesson

Recently in the UK, the St. George's flag has been used to express anti-immigration views and the Palestinian flag was banned from a music festival. In the US, the national flag has been flown upside-down in protest.

What do flags represent to different people? And can a flag ever truly stand for everyone?

Use this lesson to help students:

  • Recognise different flags
  • Explore how flags have been used for different purposes
  • Debate the questions and conflicts surrounding flags

Skills and knowledge

  • Speaking

    Step 8: Using facts
    I use facts and examples to support my communication
    Did you use facts and examples from the news story to support your discussions?

    Step 12: Adaptive communicating
    I adapt my communication depending on audience reactions
    Did you adapt your communication when discussing the news story to engage your group?

    Step 13: Negotiating
    I manage discussions effectively to reach an agreement
    Did you manage discussions when identifying the flags to come to an agreed answer?

  • Knowledge

    I know that flags are used for many different reasons and can create powerful feelings that cause both unity and conflict
    What are three examples of how a flag has been used?

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