1b. the origins and implications of the diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
1c. the work of parliament, the government and the courts in making and shaping the law
1d. the importance of playing an active part in democratic and electoral processes
1f. the opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about social change locally, nationally, in Europe and internationally
2a. research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics
2b. express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
2c. contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates
3a. use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own
3b. negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities
3c. reflect on the process of participating
Also relevant for National Qualifications Modern Studies Intermediate and Higher
a. Democratic government is exercised by representatives with the consent of the people, as expressed in elections.
b. Representation is a key feature of democratic decision-making processes nationally, locally and in the workplace.
c. Democratic political processes are sustained by certain social attitudes and structures, eg: acceptance of the responsibilities of citizenship including participation through political parties and pressure group activities; respect for, and tolerance of, the rights of individuals and minorities.
d. Individuals and groups influence decision–making by various means and with varying degrees of success.
d. There are different views about the role the individual and the state should play in meeting the needs of groups within society.
c. States use trade and economic and military aid to pursue power and influence as well as to promote development.
Resources: Online game from the 'Regional and Local Government' section of the website
Resources: 'Local Government' section of the website and own council websites
Resources: Own council websites
Resources: 'Devolution' section of website
ICT opportunity: If time and resources permit, students could design a website about how young people can get involved in local government decisions. They should include links to other relevant sites. If they are unable to actually construct the site, they could design it all on paper.
Devolution debate – half the class researches arguments in favour of devolution and the other half researches arguments against it and a debate is held.
As specified in the plan – emailing and writing to local councillors about involvement of young people in local decision–making.
The address of your own council website is usually www.nameofcouncil.gov.uk You simply insert the name of your council. If this doesn't work, conduct a search on the internet.
Two of the activities in the lesson plan involve homework. These are the 'how to' guide and the poster. Students should do as much of the research and discussion in class as possible.
The timescales are given purely for guidance. Some activities may take longer or shorter depending on your class. The way the activities are organised is also for guidance. All the activities can be done individually, in small groups or as a whole class. It is intended that the role of the teacher is that of facilitator with the website doing the actual 'teaching'. Students should be able to explore the website and find out more about what interests them from the variety of information contained on each section of the site. Where discussion questions have been suggested, these can also be done as written questions or used to guide extended writing on the issues raised within the body of the text on the website.
Can ordinary people have a say in local decisions?
http://195.102.188.55/xsp/xsc.asp?uri=/home/
zone/uk-guide/local-gov/can-ordinary-people-have-a-say
How to set up a youth council
http://195.102.188.55/xsp/xsc.asp?uri=/home/
zone/forum/how-to-set-up-youth-council
Arguments for and against devolution
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/
arguments_for_devolution.htm
The official Scottish Parliament website
http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/home.htm
The official Welsh Assembly website
http://www.wales.gov.uk/index.htm
The official Northern Ireland Assembly website
http://www.ni-assembly.gov.uk