We have some thought-provoking five minute films that are suitable for KS1-4 to introduce the concepts of genes, inheritance and genetic conditions to younger children and spark discussions in the classroom.
For older children, there are a wealth of reliable, curriculum-friendly resources on the BBC Bitesize website:
KS3 – Inheritance and genetics – KS3 Biology – BBC Bitesize
GCSE – Genetics – GCSE Combined Science Revision – Edexcel – BBC Bitesize
GCSE – Genetics – GCSE Biology (Single Science) Revision – CCEA – BBC Bitesize
National 4 – Genetics – National 4 Biology – BBC Bitesize
KS1 and KS2 - What 'genes' means
Animation: What ‘Genes’ Means
Suitable for: KS1 & KS2
This fun and easy to understand animation explains the influence that genes have on our everyday lives, from the colour of your eyes to the way your body works, grows and develops.
KS1 and KS2 - My Genome Sequence
Animation: My Genome Sequence
Suitable for: KS1 & KS2
This short animation, aimed at young people, explains what genome sequencing is and what happens when patients have their genome sequenced.
This film was developed by researchers at Great Ormond Street Hospital with funding from the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
KS1 - Max's story
Genetic condition: Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia
Suitable for: KS1
Max is six and has Hypohidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia (HED), meaning he cannot sweat, has no teeth and very little hair. Find out how his symptoms affect everyday activities like playing football and even eating.
KS1 and KS2 - Ellie and Tom's story
Genetic condition: Cockayne syndrome
Suitable for: KS1 & KS2
In many ways Tom is just like other four-year-old boys, but often it’s his differences that people notice first. In this thought-provoking film, Ellie talks about what it’s like to have a brother with Cockayne syndrome.
Tom and his sister Ellie kindly recorded this film for us in April 2009. Very sadly, Tom passed away in February 2014. Tom’s father Richard has generously allowed us to continue telling Tom’s story.
KS1 and KS2 - Tiana and Star's story
Genetic condition: Brittle bone disease
Suitable for: KS1 & KS2
Everyone gets a few bumps and bruises when they’re younger – it’s just part of growing up. But in this film we learn that Tiana, 7, has broken a total of eight bones and her sister Star, 10, has broken thirty-three.
KS2 - Carys and George's story
Genetic condition: Achondroplasia
Suitable for: KS2
George is 13 and his sister Carys is 10 and both of them have Achondroplasia (sometimes referred to as restricted growth or dwarfism). Learn what it’s like for them to be living with the condition and how it affects their day to day lives.
KS2 - Tamilore's story
Genetic condition: Sickle Cell Anaemia
Suitable for: KS2
10 year old Tamilore has Sickle Cell Anaemia and often experiences debilitating pain. His limited physical health has a knock on effect on his education, hobbies and acceptance by others. Learn about the biology behind Sickle Cell Anaemia and how Tamilore copes with his condition.
KS2 and KS3 - Ashley's story
Genetic condition: Treacher Collins syndrome
Suitable for: KS2 & KS3
Ashley has Treacher Collins syndrome meaning he was born without a jaw, cheekbones and ears. Ashley shows us how he gets around the daily challenges that his symptoms present and how he deals with the bullying that he has experienced as a result.
KS3 - Alfie's story
Genetic condition: Chronic granulomatous disorder
Suitable for: KS3
Alfie, aged 14, was born with chronic granulomatous disorder (CGD), a rare blood condition that stops his immune system working properly, causing him repeated bouts of serious infection. He shares his personal journey through a bone marrow transplantation to cure him of this life-threatening condition.
KS3 and KS4 - Connor's story
Genetic condition: Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Suitable for: KS3 & KS4
KS3 and KS4 - Pamela's story
Genetic condition: Sickle Cell Anaemia
Suitable for: KS3 & KS4
Pamela has Sickle Cell Anaemia, an inherited blood disorder which means her blood cells are sickle shaped making it difficult for them to circulate around the body. Hear what she has to say about living with the intense pain that can strike at any time, anywhere in her body.
KS4 - Luke's story
Genetic condition: Huntington’s disease
Suitable for: KS4
Luke’s mum has Huntington’s disease and he has a 50% chance of inheriting it from her. Will he take the test when he reaches 18 to find out if he has the faulty gene; Luke’s Story shows what it’s like for him to be grappling with such complex decisions and what impact his mum’s condition has on his life.
KS4 - Ryan's story
Genetic condition: Cystic Fibrosis
Suitable for: KS4
Imagine having to spend 1.5 hours every morning just to take medicine to keep you healthy. Ryan actively chooses activities that help to alleviate his symptoms and prolong his life, from playing football to playing the trumpet. Learn what precautions Ryan has to take to keep his Cystic Fibrosis under control.