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
Make a Difference in a Day
The Make a Difference in a Day resource pack has been created for teachers who want to deliver a...
Preventing Infectious Diseases
This lesson should be delivered as a follow-up to the lesson ‘What is an infectious disease?’ In this lesson pupils will recap their knowledge of infectious diseases, they will then…
More Digital Citizenship resources
Using Technology for Good
In this lesson pupils will consider the multiple uses of technology and how technology can be used to solve problems. Pupils will be introduced to the example of Trevor Baylis,…
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...
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
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…
Design an Inclusive Playground
In this lesson pupils will consider the varying needs and interests of the Go-Giver characters and design a playground that matches these requirements. They will work in groups to present…
Inspirational People – Nelson Mandela
This assembly is an introduction to the life and work of Nelson Mandela. You may like to run it in conjunction with the lesson ‘Inspirational People.’ To access this content,…
More Politics and Democracy resources
The G7 (Lesson Plan)
During this two lesson resource pupils learn about the G7 and take part in a mock G7 Summit meeting. During the first lesson pupils explore the history and function…
COP: Climate Action
In November 2021, COP26 took place in Glasgow. It was the most pivotal climate summit of all time. This resources will explore what COP is and what COP26 aimed to…
Children’s Rights
In this lesson pupils will learn that there are specific rights for children which are set out in the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of the Child. Pupils will…
More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources
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…
Caring for our Communities
In this lesson pupils will think about the importance of caring for their community and the varied caring responsibilities which are held by members of the community. They will identify…
Make a Difference in a Day
The Make a Difference in a Day resource pack has been created for teachers who want to deliver a...
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Rights and Responsibilities
In this lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the terms ‘rights’ and ‘responsibilities’ and how they balance one another. They will then discuss and prepare a class charter that…
Conflicting Rights
In this lesson pupils will revisit their knowledge of human rights to consider situations in which people’s rights may appear in conflict with one another. Pupils will debate how they…
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…
More KS4 (ages 14-16) resources
An Introduction to Discrimination Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson looks at the history of anti-discrimination law, the different types of discrimination (i.e. direct and indirect discrimination) and how the law deals with discrimination. It can be delivered…
Employment Law (SmartLaw Subscription)
During this lesson students explore the law that applies to young workers and what they can do if they believe their legal rights at work are not being upheld. To…
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…
More KS5 (ages 16-18) resources
COVID and the Economy
During this session, students will critically examine some of the key economic considerations of the pandemic. They will explore...
An Introduction to Human Rights
In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are...
Climate Action: Circular Economies
During this lesson students explore how the economy can be used to support climate action and create a more...