PSHE KS2: The Brain Lab

BBC Teach > Primary Resources > PSHE KS2

A collection of short films on mindset and mindfulness. Five of the films introduce us to one of the five steps to wellbeing, with the sixth film - 'The Brain House' - using animation to look at what is happening inside our brain when we feel 'big' emotions.

You'll also find below a video guide for teachers, which introduces the concept of mindsets and mindfulness and suggests ways the films can be used in class.

The films explore the five steps to wellbeing:

  • Connect with others

  • Be active

  • Give to others

  • Take notice

  • Keep learning

These short films are suitable for teaching PSHE at KS2 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and 2nd Level in Scotland.

Dan - Connect with others
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Dan - Connect with others

Dr Hazel Harrison and a young magician called Dan find out why it’s important to connect with other people. Dan has Asperger Syndrome, also known as Asperger's, and sometimes finds it difficult to connect with people. In this short film he shares his experiences of learning magic, using his growth mindset, and using magic tricks to help him connect with other people.

Kristana - Be active
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Kristana - Be active

Dr Hazel Harrison and a young weight-lifter called Kristana find out why it’s good for us to keep active. In this short film Kristana explains how weightlifting has helped her to feel better about herself, develop confidence in school and overcome challenges.

Mjd - Give to others
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Mjd - Give to others

Dr Hazel Harrison and a school pupil called Mjd explain why it’s important for us to give to others. In this short film Mjd explains how he used a growth mindset to learn English, and how he 'gives to others’ by translating for his classmates and helping them learn.

Rachel - Take notice
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Rachel - Take notice

Dr Hazel Harrison and Rachel, a member of the Youth Parliament Committee, explore the concept of ‘taking notice’. In this short film Rachel shares how she takes notice of the issues that are happening around her and how she tries to make a positive change.

Ethan - Keep learning
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Ethan - Keep learning

Dr Hazel Harrison and adaptive surfer, Ethan, explore why it’s important to keep learning new things. Ethan has cerebral palsy, a medical condition that affects his movement and coordination. He's also an adaptive surfer and is training to go to the world adaptive championships in California. In this short film Ethan shares his experiences of using a growth mindset to learn new things.

The Brain House
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The Brain House

In this short film for primary schools Dr Hazel Harrison talks about what happens in our brains when we feel different emotions.

Introducing 'The Brain Lab' - A guide for teachers
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Introducing 'The Brain Lab' - A guide for teachers

An introduction to the series for teachers with tips on how the films could be used in the classroom.

BBC Own It - The five ways to wellbeing
collection

BBC Own It - The five ways to wellbeing

Five short videos from BBC Own It about the five ways to wellbeing.