KS2

Our Compassionate Class lessons encourage children to develop compassion and empathy through a series of fun and engaging animal welfare topics.

Our resources encourage a discussion-based approach to develop emotional literacy with many of them being accredited by the PSHE association.

*Please note* these resources will soon be removed and updated with a new programme of learning. Contact us to learn more.

A group of children enjoying outdoor learning.

Deliver content your way

We have some advice on how to work through the programme, though do feel free to deliver content in a way that works best for you and your learners.



1. Begin with the ‘Introduction to the programme’ starter activity.

2. Select two or three lessons from the list below. We have categorised them, so you could complete:

  • A theme (e.g. lessons based on domestic animals)
  • A spread of content (e.g. one lesson from each theme)


3. Finish the programme of learning with an applied activity to receive a practical animal welfare certificate (view our library for the full range - five certificates to collect!). 


A woman doing the online learning programme on her laptop.

Introduction to the programme

Start your programme of learning by introducing the concept of compassion and then going on to compare what different animals need to be happy and healthy.

Lessons based on domestic animals

How to care for pets discusses the issues of pet ownership and our responsibilities towards them. 



Animal heroes explores a variety of working animal roles that exist and then discusses the responsibilities we have towards animals when we use them for our benefit.

Two Police officers patrolling a public park on horseback.

Lessons based on wildlife animals

Protecting wildlife habitats explores looks at the different needs of wild animals and the impact humans can have on the planet.

Underwater worlds explains explores how plastic pollution is affecting aquatic animals and the environments they live in.

A close-up of an owl in woodland.

Lessons based on what we do at the RSPCA

Farmyard freedoms puts children in the shoes of a RSPCA Assured farm assessor to recognise how we can meet the needs of farm animals.



Animal rescuers explores how the RSPCA help rescue, rehabilitate, rehome or release sick and injured animals. 


An RSPCA Assured inspector on a visit to a dairy farm.

Activities to do outside