Education
Peace education is central to the Peace Pledge Union's work. We believe that peace begins in schools, colleges, universities and communities, when people learn the skills and awareness needed to seek peaceful solutions to conflict and to challenge a culture of violence.
Through educational resources and support for teachers, we aim to raise awareness of pacifism and nonviolence as widely as possible. Peace education can happen at any stage of learning, from primary school to further education, both within and outside formal education.
We also campaign against militarism in education. The armed forces and arms companies maintain an active presence in schools and universities through visits, careers fairs and providing resources. You can find out more about this issue and how to put a stop to it here.
Below you will find some of our key resources aimed at students, teachers, parents and carers of various age groups. Further resources and information can be found in the section menu.
If you would like to promote peace education or have any questions about these resources, please get in touch at mail@ppu.org.uk.
White poppies for education
White poppies stand for remembrance of all victims of war and a commitment to peace. In the run up to Remembrance Day, they provide an important way to open up discussions with students on war, peace and remembrance. Explore our white poppy educational resources to find activities for lessons, assemblies and remembrance occasions.
Teach Peace - Primary & Secondary
Teach Peace contains a large collection of cross-curricular lessons on all aspects of peace education, created by the Peace Education Network, which the PPU is proud to be part of alongside many other peace organisations. The two packs - Teach Peace Secondary and Teach Peace Primary - are free to download and can be ordered in hard copy.
The men who said no
Read the story of the resistance to the First World War. The Men Who Said No explores the experiences and historical context of the men and women who put their lives on hold, first to stop war from happening, then refusing to participate in it and becoming conscientious objectors.
Conscientious Objectors of the Second World War
This in-depth resource, created by researcher Barry Mills and Quakers in Britain, and supported by the PPU, explores the lives and beliefs of conscientious objectors of the Second World War. An extensive database and map show the extent of this history, while interactive resources allow teachers and students to delve into local history and individual stories.
Peace Research and Education Trust
Our educational work and archive are funded by the Peace Research and Education Trust (PRET). PRET supports peace education and research, out of a conviction that building peace requires a deep understanding of the conditions that allow peace to grow and the skills to overcome the obstacles to it. You can find out more, including how to contribute to PRET, on their website.