Overview
The law affects every aspect of our lives, but children and young people rarely learn about it in the classroom. We want to empower teachers to start a conversation about the law in schools.
Running throughout February 2025, The Big Legal Lesson provides the tools you need to confidently introduce the law into your classroom.
What’s in the resource packs?
The Big Legal Lesson is a starting point for pupils to develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. Pupils explore questions such as:
- What is the law and how does it affect my daily life?
- Who has the power to make and change the law? How do recent changes to the law affect me?
- What new laws would I like to see and how can I make my voice heard by those in power?
Share the good news!
Send us your photos, ideas and feedback via social media @YoungCitizensUK using the hashtag #TheBigLegalLesson.
“I had positive feedback from every class due to the active nature of the activities, and the children thoroughly enjoyed learning about their rights and responsibilities.”
Primary School Teacher, The Big Legal Lesson
Looking for the secondary and further education resources? Access the resource pack for ages 11-18+ here.
Explore more resources about the law in our resource library
More Assemblies resources
The G7 (Assembly Pack)
During this assembly pupils explore the history and function of the G7 and are introduced to the sort of discussions held at the annual G7 Summit. They learn about the…
Taking Responsibility (assembly)
During this assembly pupils consider what the word responsibility means. You can find the ‘Taking responsibility’ lesson plan on the KS1 lesson page. The PowerPoint for the lesson is the…
The Big Legal Lesson 2025 (ages 11-18+)
Join the UK's biggest legal education campaign during February 2025.
More Lessons resources
Democracy (Part 2): Local and Central Government
This lesson forms the second part of a three-part unit on democracy. Pupils learn about the function of central and local government and the difference between MPs and councillors. Pupils explore…
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…
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…
More Understanding Rules & The Law resources
Social Media and the Law (KS3) (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 committing these offences. The…
Police Powers (SmartLaw Subscription)
This lesson examines the powers that the police have to stop and search, arrest and detain individuals. Students also have the opportunity to create their own ideal police force considering…
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 KS1 (ages 5-7) resources
Taking Responsibility (assembly)
During this assembly pupils consider what the word responsibility means. You can find the ‘Taking responsibility’ lesson plan on the KS1 lesson page. The PowerPoint for the lesson is the…
Healthy Eating
In this lesson pupils will learn about the importance of eating the right amounts of different food groups as part of a healthy lifestyle. Pupils will have the opportunity to…
Why Do We Have Rules?
In this lesson pupils will think about the purpose of rules by reflecting on what life might be like without them. Pupils will discuss different types of rules in the…
More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources
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…
Challenging Stereotypes
This lesson is divided into two parts. In the first section of the lesson pupils will develop an understanding of the term ‘stereotype’, identify examples of stereotypical opinions and discuss…
Citizenship and the Wider World
During this lesson pupils consider what it means to be a global citizen and what rights and responsibilities come with this. They consider a range of global issues; analysing…