Teachers Notes

Understanding of how environmental and ethical issues affect people across the world as well as at home
Knowledge of how the various initiatives that make up the M&S Plan A campaign work
Skills of researching and questioning the corporate information provided in order to find its relevance to everyday life

Why might M&S want to make sure their clothes and food are made in fair and safe ways?
Why is saving water and looking after soil important?
Research how much water it takes to make a pair of jeans.
- Compare it to how much water we use at home.
Design posters suggesting ways to save water at home and school.

Why do companies like M&S work with organisations such as Better Cotton or Fairtrade?
How can consumers influence the behaviour of global companies?
What challenges might companies face when trying to ensure all factories are fair and sustainable?
Explore the M&S Supplier Map online and create a short report or infographic showing where products come from and what ethical or environmental initiatives exist there.
Investigate one M&S product (e.g. denim jeans, tea, or chocolate), researching how and where it’s made.
Watch the M&S and Better Cotton films. Identify the purpose of the videos: are they informative, persuasive, or both?

How can ethical sourcing benefit a company’s reputation and profitability?
How might global events (e.g., climate change, trade restrictions) affect food or clothing supply chains?
CSR Case Study: Analyse the M&S Plan A sustainability strategy. Present your findings as a report or presentation.
Use figures from the 2025 M&S ESG Report (students can research or use teacher-provided extracts). Interpret data on water use, emissions, or labour practices. Suggest measurable ways M&S could improve.
Where Do Our Clothes Come From? Exhibition project: Create maps and artwork to show supply chain and product journeys.
- Produce factual posters based on the sources provided, and video interviews with students and teachers to share consumer views.