Overview
Aimed at students in KS4 and 5 (13-18 year olds) the pack is designed to be delivered over a two hour period and is split into three parts:
- Part 1: An introduction to Parliament
- Part 2: Introducing the motion and preparing for the debate
- Part 3: Running the debate
Each student is allocated a role guide and assigned to a political party. Clear instructions are provided to students on how to prepare for their role and what to do during the debate.
“Learning about Parliament is so important because it educates young people as to how the government works and how much we are affected by politics. I found the resources informative and helpful as they explained all the different roles in a debate, and I really enjoyed expressing my opinion.”
Year 9 student, St James’s Church of England High School, Bolton
Acknowledgment:
These teaching and learning resources were developed in partnership with the global firm, FTI Consulting. We are grateful for their support in boosting young people’s awareness of our democracy, and the ways we can work together to strengthen society for everybody.
More Lessons resources
Climate Change
Learners explore what climate change is and what is causing it. They consider who is responsible for climate change: individuals, politicians, businesses? They are then challenged to think of a…
Create a Local Council Budget
Students critically consider the needs of a fictitious town and how to spend it’s £250 million budget wisely. Working...
Relationships and the Law
During this lesson pupils explore the concept of marriage and civil partnerships focusing on the fact that they are a legal commitment between two people and what this means. Pupils…
More Digital Citizenship resources
Social Media and the Law (KS4) (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are committing (whether knowingly or not) and the consequences of these offences. Finally, students…
Ethics, Innovation and the Law
Aimed at KS4 and Post-16, your students will: Explore the way technology is developing and the impacts this has...
Filter Bubbles: Tell Me What I Want To Hear
A “filter bubble” describes how algorithms limit and skew the information users see on the internet. In this lesson,...
More Diversity and Inclusion resources
World Female Ranger Day (KS1 Assembly)
During this assembly pupils will learn about World Female Ranger Day. Pupils will explore where the continent of Africa is and learn about its unique wildlife, and why it needs…
Getting to Know You
In this lesson pupils will share their likes and dislikes as well as what makes them special. Activities provide lots of opportunities for pupils to learn about their classmates and…
Making a Difference From Home
Our packs support KS2 and KS3 pupils to plan and deliver their very own mini social action project. By...
More Politics and Democracy resources
An Introduction to Human Rights
In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...
What is Debt?
Students will explore issues around money, personal and sovereign debt and consider the impact government borrowing has on future...
What is a Political Party?
This resource pack is the fourth of a four-part set which has been designed to introduce students to the...
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
Protecting Local Habitats (KS2)
In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of habitats and explore endangered British species and the threats to their habitat. Pupils will be guided through ways in which…
Discrimination
In this lesson pupils will develop their understanding of the term ‘discrimination’. Pupils will consider what makes them unique and learn which characteristics are protected under the Equality Act. Pupils…
Being Part of a School Community
During this lesson pupils recap what we mean by the term active citizen. They consider what qualities and skills an active citizen should have and explore how these skills and…
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Family Law – Cohabitation and Marriage (SmartLaw Subscription)
During the course of the lesson students will learn the difference between marriage and cohabitation and consider what legal rights come with both. Students will explore the changing attitudes in…
Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition 2025/26: Preparation Resources (England, Wales, Northern Ireland)
School Guide – This guide contains all of the information to support the lead teacher and support teachers in preparing for the competition. Student Guides – Each student guide contains an…
Magna Carta
During this lessons pupils will look at the history of the Magna Carta and consider how it has helped shape the laws we have today. Pupils consider what ‘fairness’…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
Social Media and the Law (KS4) (SmartLaw Subscription)
Students explore the law in relation to social media posts, the types of offences that people are committing (whether...
Biodiversity: Using the Law to Drive Change
During this lesson, students consider what biodiversity is, why it is essential to all life on Earth and what...
Fake News: The Evolution of Media
In this lesson, students explore how media has changed since the 1900s and the impact this has had on...
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
The Government and the Economy
By the end of the lesson students will: Understand key economic terms including taxation, welfare benefits, public spending and...
Who’s to Blame? (SmartLaw Subscription)
This activity is based on the case of R v. Dudley and Stephens (1884) – two sailors accused of murdering cabin boy Richard Parker, after being cast adrift on the…
Who Owns Your Data?
This ready-to-teach double lesson pack is aimed at students in key stages 4 and 5. During the course of...