Miriam’s Vision: Working towards a non-violent society

This EDUCATION RESOURCE is a response to the 2005 London Bombings and is about building an inclusive, non-violent society, respecting fundamental rights.  It includes unique, high quality lesson plans which are broadly curriculum based, accompanying resources and guidance notes for teachers of 11 to 14 year olds.  This is free of charge, available to download and share.

Each module makes reference to Miriam's story and her memorial, the Miriam Hyman Children's Eye Care Centre in Odisha, India.

Miriam's Vision was developed by the Miriam Hyman Memorial Trust in association with the University of London Institute of Education and Copthall School, London, which Miriam attended. It was produced by teachers for teachers to explore 7/7 in the safe environment of the classroom, through the powerful personal narrative of Miriam's story.   While meeting curriculum requirements, the Schemes of Work are part of a much bigger picture: Preparation for independent, rational, constructive thinking and action on personal, local, national and global levels; responsible citizenship recognising one’s own rights and those of others, irrespective of race, religion, tradition and culture.

Miriam's Vision meets Ofsted requirements (September 2019) for the “curriculum to be at the centre of education...creating a positive climate with respectful interactions”, connecting “new knowledge and existing knowledge”, and having an impact on learners, “if nothing [is] impressed in long-term memory, nothing has been learned”.

The lesson plans which have three strands have been tested by teachers and learners:

• History, Citizenship and PSHE: Relate directly to the events of 7/7.  Opportunities for acquiring transferable life skills such as resilience, considered and constructive response to negative situations, and rational thinking and action in the light of rights and responsibilities.
• Geography, Art and Dance: Refer to the location of the Miriam Hyman Children's Eye Care Centre in Odisha.  Learners experience aspects of a different culture and compare with their own to understand that diversity is the natural outcome of local response to universal needs for sustenance, shelter, safety,  and spirituality.
• Business & Enterprise: A cross-class or cross-year fundraising activity for the MHCECC.  Empathy for the needs of others and involvement in an altruistic activity that impacts the real world.

We offer tried and tested lesson plans that meet Ofsted judgments by placing the curriculum at the heart of the resource while embracing diversity and British values, and encouraging positive behaviour, personal development and empathy.

Read the Guidance in our For Teachers section.

Watch our video to learn more