We have some thought-provoking five minute films that are suitable for Primary Schools ( KS – KS2) to introduce the concepts of genes, inheritance and genetic conditions to younger children and spark discussions in the classroom.
Please select the videos from the dropdown below.
For older children Please see our secondary schools resource page
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.