Free teaching resources to help your learners take part in democracy.
Now is the time to give young people the skills, knowledge and confidence to be active citizens – both before and beyond the ballot box.
Deliver The Big Democracy Lesson this year.
What is The Big Democracy Lesson?
Launching in November 2025, this new national campaign from Young Citizens will equip learners from ages 5 to 18 with the tools they need to participate in democratic society.
We know teaching political issues isn’t easy. That’s why we have created new classroom resources enabling any educator to deliver a lesson on democracy that is engaging, relevant and politically neutral.
Using real-world local scenarios and interactive tasks, the lesson plans will demystify democracy for your children and young people.
Pledge your commitment to deliver The Big Democracy Lesson in your school.
Why we need The Big Democracy Lesson
Public trust in our systems and institutions is falling, especially among younger people. This is amplified by an epidemic of misinformation, in which 98% of 12-year-olds can’t tell real from fake news.
The earlier they understand our political system, while becoming strong critical thinkers and debaters, the more belief they will have in the democratic values that are a cornerstone of British life.
With 16-year-olds set to be given the vote, we need to make sure they are informed and inspired to use their voice.
What makes The Big Democracy Lesson special?
- Starting where students have influence now – their local area (KS3) and their future voting decisions (KS4/5).
- Using real-world examples and practical activities (mapping communities, creating manifestos, ranking information sources) to make abstract concepts tangible.
- Embedding critical thinking and discussion skills to help students evaluate information and express their views respectfully.
- Linking every activity to agency and autonomy, so young people leave knowing “I can do something about this.”
Complete this form to get started with The Big Democracy Lesson.
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Acknowledgements
Thank you to RX/RELX and Fieldfisher for supporting The Big Democracy Lesson.