Syria: a turning point?

In December 2024, after over 50 years of rule by the Assad family, Syrian rebel groups took control of the country. Many Syrians celebrated in the streets, hopeful for a new beginning after years of war. But what will happen next? Will this be a turning point for Syria and its people? And what new challenges lie ahead?

Collage of pages from the “Syria: a turning point?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 17 January 2025

This resource was created for Topical Talk Festival 2025. See student discussions on this lesson here.

About this lesson

Use this one-hour lesson to help your students:

  • Learn about the history of the Syrian government
  • Discuss how the country and its people are at a turning point
  • Consider what might happen next

  • What if I don't feel confident to teach these kinds of lessons?

    We know that it might be daunting to have conversations in your classroom about race and identity. We've created a guide that gives practical tips on how to handle them with confidence, including:

    • Ensuring all important perspectives are fairly represented, though some arguments might need more exploration, more time, or more challenge
    • Championing facts and challenging misinformation
    • Considering informing parents
    • Being comfortable without an answer for everything

    Read the tips here

This lesson develops the following skills and knowledge:

  • Problem solving

    Step 1: I complete tasks by following instructions
    Step 3: I complete tasks by finding information I need myself
    Step 12: I create solutions for complex problems by evaluating the positive and negative effects of a range of options

  • Knowledge

    I know about the history of Syria and can explain how the country might change after the fall of the Assad regime.

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