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  • Plastic Pollution

    Plastic Pollution

    Plastic pollution in our oceans is a global problem. In this series of resources we invite KS2 teachers to help their pupils understand the environmental challenges we face and encourage youth activism. Read more

  • Free subscriptions to Go-Givers for 20/21 academic year

    Free subscriptions to Go-Givers for 20/21 academic year

    Young Citizens invites UK primary school teachers to champion the importance of SMSC, Citizenship, PSHE and Relationships Education with a Pears Foundation supported free subscription to Go-Givers. Read more

  • Mock Trials Classroom Pack

    Mock Trials Classroom Pack

    This classroom pack supports young people's exploration of the rule of law and the criminal justice system in the UK. Students have a go at analysing a case with resources including full witness statements and helpful annotations. Use this pack to get a head-start for the Mock Trial Competitions. Read more

  • Plastic Pollution
  • Free subscriptions to Go-Givers for 20/21 academic year
  • Mock Trials Classroom Pack
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  1. What we do
  2. Free teaching resources

Free teaching resources

Teaching resources for all phases of education

Young Citizens wants young people to leave education with a grasp of the political, legal and economic functions of society, and with the social and moral awareness to thrive in it. We don't just want schools and colleges to teach citizenship: we also want them to demonstrate citizenship through the way they operate. That is why we provide a high-quality, specialised teaching and learning resources.

The most effective form of learning in citizenship education is:

  • active: emphasises learning by doing
  • interactive: uses discussion and debate
  • relevant: focuses on real-life issues facing young people and society
  • critical: encourages young people to think for themselves
  • collaborative: employs group work and co-operative learning
  • participative: gives young people a say in their own learning

We have developed our teaching and learning materials with these content pillars in mind. Explore how we can help inspire your children. Below is various free teaching resources. However, we do offer various subscription -based programmes that provide a more well-rounded curriculum.

Suggested next steps:

  • Find out more about the full range programmes and citizenship experiences we offer.
  • Look into Go-Givers, our subscription resource offering for primary schools.
  • For secondary schools, look to our SmartLaw resources and Mock Trial competitions.
The Big Legal Lesson 2021

The Big Legal Lesson 2021

To support Justice Week 2021, we'll be running The Big Legal Lesson, for thousands of pupils to learn about the law and the justice system. And we've created a free teaching resource to support teachers during the week, in both primary and secondary schools. Sign up for The Big Legal Lesson here! Read more

Published: 16th December, 2020

Updated: 18th December, 2020

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Mock Parliament Debate

Mock Parliament Debate

This sponsored resource supports 13-18 year olds to look at how Parliament operates, its different functions as well as key roles and responsibilities. The students will then have a chance to develop their speaking and listening skills as they discuss a proposed motion. Read more

Published: 1st December, 2020

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Who's Really Paying for COVID?

Who's Really Paying for COVID?

As part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science we have collaborated with Dr Dania Thomas, University of Glasgow, to produce a resource to help your students explore how COVID will impact on our economy and their futures. Read more

Published: 19th October, 2020

Updated: 14th December, 2020

Author: Yvonne Richards

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Plastic Pollution

Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution in our oceans is a global problem. In this series of resources we invite KS2 teachers to help their pupils understand the environmental challenges we face and encourage youth activism. Read more

Published: 5th October, 2020

Updated: 6th October, 2020

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Digital Citizenship Education Trainers' Pack

Digital Citizenship Education Trainers' Pack

The Digital Citizenship Education (DCE) Project is designed to help young people to participate safely, effectively, critically and responsibly in a world filled with social media and digital technologies. This Trainers' Pack is designed for those working with young people. Read more

Published: 16th September, 2020

Updated: 16th November, 2020

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Free subscriptions to Go-Givers for 20/21 academic year

Free subscriptions to Go-Givers for 20/21 academic year

Young Citizens invites UK primary school teachers to champion the importance of SMSC, Citizenship, PSHE and Relationships Education with a Pears Foundation supported free subscription to Go-Givers. Read more

Published: 9th July, 2020

Updated: 12th January, 2021

Author: Yvonne Richards

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
  • News
Mock Trials Classroom Pack

Mock Trials Classroom Pack

This classroom pack supports young people's exploration of the rule of law and the criminal justice system in the UK. Students have a go at analysing a case with resources including full witness statements and helpful annotations. Use this pack to get a head-start for the Mock Trial Competitions. Read more

Published: 17th April, 2020

Updated: 12th January, 2021

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Making a Difference From Home

Making a Difference From Home

This activity pack supports children to make a difference from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Help children realise that their actions of compassion and support can make a big difference to society. Get involved - social action has never been more important. Read more

Published: 8th April, 2020

Updated: 12th January, 2021

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Home Learning Pack for KS1 and KS2

Home Learning Pack for KS1 and KS2

A Home Learning Pack for KS1 and KS2 pupils to support SMSC, Citizenship and PSHE learning during the Coronavirus crisis. Read more

Published: 30th March, 2020

Updated: 12th January, 2021

Author: Ruth Le Breton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Why do we wash our hands?

Why do we wash our hands?

In this lesson pupils will learn that washing their hands can help to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses which cause illnesses. Pupils will look at different techniques and understand when hand washing is essential. Check out this free resource today! Read more

Published: 18th March, 2020

Updated: 3rd April, 2020

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Economic Cycles

Economic Cycles

Developed in partnership with global business advisory firm FTI Consulting, this free classroom resource explores what economic cycles are and how they impact our lives. Students explore key economic indicators and examine the impact the economy has on its citizens. Read more

Published: 28th October, 2019

Updated: 17th September, 2020

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
The Government and the Economy

The Government and the Economy

This free resource examines the role of national governments in relation to taxation and public spending. Ideal follow-up to the 'Economic Cycles' lesson. Read more

Published: 27th October, 2019

Updated: 14th November, 2019

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Be Your Own Councillor

Be Your Own Councillor

Be Your Own Councillor is our third and final resource exploring the economy and budgetary considerations. You can access all the resources here for free. Read more

Published: 26th October, 2019

Updated: 7th April, 2020

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Managing Controversy in Schools

Managing Controversy in Schools

A free guidance pack for school leaders and senior managers for handling controversy and teaching controversial issues in schools. Read more

Published: 24th October, 2019

Updated: 25th October, 2019

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Teaching Controversial Issues

Teaching Controversial Issues

Young people do not always have an opportunity to discuss controversial issues in school because they are seen as too challenging to teach. This free professional development pack is designed to empower teachers. Read more

Published: 24th October, 2019

Updated: 25th October, 2019

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Democracy Ambassadors

Democracy Ambassadors

Our Democracy Ambassadors programme enables young people aged to learn about our democracy and to champion democratic participation. Read how your young people can start benefiting from these resources... Read more

Published: 24th June, 2019

Updated: 5th February, 2020

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Ethics, Innovation and the Law

Developed in partnership with Allen and Overy LLP, this free teaching resource gets your learners to consider the role of technology on society and the challenges law makers have in keeping up with the speed of change. Read more

Published: 20th June, 2019

Updated: 7th April, 2020

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Citizenship – a privilege or a right?

Citizenship – a privilege or a right?

The story of Shamima Begum continues to hit the headlines as the Court of Appeal rules that she will be able to fight the decision made to revoke her citizenship. Was the original decision to revoke her citizenship legal? Find out! Read more

Published: 23rd April, 2019

Updated: 21st October, 2020

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
All at Sea: A story about fairness and the rule of law

All at Sea: A story about fairness and the rule of law

A free KS2 resource to explore moral reasoning using a story about a shipwrecked crew arriving on a desert island. Get your pupils to discuss concepts of sharing, power, democracy and the 'rule of law'. Read more

Published: 18th April, 2019

Updated: 25th June, 2019

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Lessons to support SMSC learning

Lessons to support SMSC learning

Would you like some free lessons to support SMSC learning? This trial pack of lessons from our Go-Givers website contains the lessons "Democracy" and "Protecting Local Habitats" for KS2 children, and the lessons "Expedition to Planet Blueball" and "Taking Responsibility" for KS1 children. Read more

Published: 18th December, 2018

Updated: 12th March, 2020

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
The Law in Wales

The Law in Wales

Did you know the law is applied differently around the UK? Welsh schools - get your hands on this free resource developed especially for you. Read more

Published: 4th July, 2018

Updated: 24th April, 2019

Author: Rachel Drayton

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Migration of People

Migration of People

This free lesson explores the various reasons why people choose to migrate. It unpacks the differences between refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants, examining key pieces of legislation to see what rights migrants have in both national and international law. Read more

Published: 18th June, 2018

Updated: 8th December, 2020

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Talking about values in the classroom

Talking about values in the classroom

This teaching unit by citizenship education pioneer Don Rowe accompanies 'Talking about values in the classroom', which introduces KS2 teachers to this method of developing pupils' skills of thinking and talking about moral issues. Read more

Published: 24th March, 2018

Updated: 28th June, 2019

Author: Chris Staplehurst

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

In an age of mass media and electronic communication, children and young people are regularly exposed to the conflicts and controversies of adult life. How can schools help prepare them? Read more

Published: 6th August, 2017

Updated: 1st July, 2019

Author: Richard John

Related topics:
  • Free teaching resources
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Showing 10 of 24

Latest

  • Young Citizens receives Co-op Foundation grant

    Young Citizens receives Co-op Foundation grant

    Young Citizens receives Co-op Foundation grant to extend our work empowering young people to improve community spaces

  • The Importance of SMSC for young people

    The Importance of SMSC for young people

    Jo Cooke, Head of Pastoral Care at Holme Grange School, describes her school's experience of The National SMSC Quality Mark. Her blog shares how they embed their SMSC provision, learning and development. Hear Jo's account...

  • Teaching Social Action and Digital Citizenship in the Age of Social Media

    Teaching Social Action and Digital Citizenship in the Age of Social Media

    Young people are increasingly exposed to digital devices and the internet, and for many it's second nature to share their lives virtually. Let's teach them how to use technology to support safe, ethical and responsible digital citizenship.

  • The Big Legal Lesson 2021

    The Big Legal Lesson 2021

    To support Justice Week 2021, we'll be running The Big Legal Lesson, for thousands of pupils to learn about the law and the justice system. And we've created a free teaching resource to support teachers during the week, in both primary and secondary schools. Sign up for The Big Legal Lesson here!

Most read

  • British values

    British values

  • Importance of citizenship education

    Importance of citizenship education

  • 7. The importance of citizenship education

  • Free SMSC Resource for Key Stage 2

    Would you like a free lesson to help you develop KS2 children's SMSC learning? This trial pack of lessons from our Go-Givers website contains the lessons "Democracy" and "Protecting Local Habitats".

  • Go-Givers Free Trial Pack

    Would you like a free trial pack of lessons to support pupils' SMSC learning? This trial pack of lessons from our Go-Givers website contains the lessons "Plastic Pollution" and "Taking Responsibility" for KS1 children and the lessons "Democracy" and "Protecting Local Habitats" for KS2 children.

  • Mock Trials

    Mock Trials

    The Mock Trials are an effective and fun way of helping young people understand how the judicial system works. Learn how you can get involved...

  • Why teach citizenship?

    Why teach citizenship?

  • Lowering the voting age to 16

    Lowering the voting age to 16

    Here, we give teachers a little support for debating the topic in class with students. Do young people of this age know enough about politics yet? And if they could vote, can they be trusted to do it sensibly?

  • Free SMSC Resources for Key Stage 1

    Would you like some free lessons to help you develop KS1 children's SMSC learning? This trial pack of lessons from our Go-Givers website contains the lessons "Plastic Pollution" and "Taking Responsibility"

  • Introduction

    Introduction

    We are an education charity that inspires young people to play an active role in society. Find out more...

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I’ve just got my money back via a ‘Small Claims Court’. Would young people know they can do that?

I’ve just got my money back via a ‘Small Claims Court’. Would young people know they can do that?

Our CEO tells of his own recent experience of using the law to protect his rights, and explains why basic legal understanding is vitally important for all young people, if they're to be confident young citizens. Read more

Published: 12th March, 2018

Updated: 18th September, 2018

Author: Tom Franklin

Related topics:
  • Blog

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Young Citizens
37 Heneage Street, London E1 5LJ.

Phone +44 (0)20 7566 4141
Email [email protected]

Registered charity no. 801360