Key Stage 2 RSE Day 2026 Activities
Activity 1 - Upstander Bystander
Introduce the key concepts and definitions to the children.
Bucket filler = kind, helps others feel good
Bucket dipper = hurts others (unkind actions)
Bystander = sees it happening but does nothing
Upstander = notices and does something to help
(An upstander helps to fill someone's bucket even when it’s not them being directly affected.
Share - “UPSTANDER” Strategies:U – Understand what’s happening
P – Pause and think (is it safe to act?)
S – Support the person (stand with them, include them)
T – Tell someone (safe adult if needed)
A – Act kindly (challenge behaviour calmly)
N – Never join in
D – Do something positive
Split the children into small groups and give each group a scenario to look at.
Task:
Ask the children to create 2 short role plays:
1. Bystander version
Show what happens when nobody helps
Highlight how the person’s “bucket” is affected
2. Upstander version
Show how someone steps in and helps
Demonstrate practical actions
Finally invite groups to perform and reflect
Adult prompts:
- “Who was the bucket dipper?”
- “What did the bystanders do?”
- “What did the upstander do differently?”
- “How did the person’s ‘bucket’ change?”
Encourage pupils to use:
“They filled their bucket by…”
“They dipped their bucket when…”
Activity 2 - Kindness Audit
Using the activity sheet – Kindness Audit, encourage children to reflect on the following questions.
- How kind is our classroom?
- When do buckets get dipped?
- What could we improve?
As a whole class exercise, invite some children to share their work. Then, together create a ‘Class Kindness Charter’
A class kindness charter is something that the children create together to agree how they want to treat each other every day.
It’s not just a list of rules—it’s a shared promise about the kind of class they want to be.
Everyone is responsible for making the classroom a place where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.
The charter will include actions, not just words—things that children can do to ‘fill each other’s buckets’ and support one another.
Activity 3 - Bucket Filling Campaign
In small groups, design a campaign to promote kindness in your school.
Groups will have to decide who will be responsible for the different elements of the campaign.
For the campaign you will need to include:
- Slogan
- Posters
- Assembly presentation (5mins)
Campaigns could also include:
- PowerPoint Presentations
- Videos / photographs
