Resource

What is a Citizen?

Overview

In this lesson pupils will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens with the potential to make a positive difference in society.

The lesson opens with the traditional tale of ‘Stone Soup’ which draws out themes of citizenship through illustrating how societies thrive when everyone contributes. Pupils consider what is meant by the terms citizen and citizenship. Pupils examine a child’s diary entry and reflect how in an ordinary day the actions of this young person have positively impacted on their family, friends, school and the wider world.

Finally pupils interview one another to discover how active they are as a citizen and reflect on opportunities for them to participate more in society.

To access this content, register for our School Subscription.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Brexit: Part 1 – Referendum

Pupils will be given a brief introduction to the European Union. They will learn about why people’s opinions about the EU are divided and the results of the EU referendum.…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

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…

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS4 (ages 14-16)

Be Your Own Councillor

Students examine ways in which a fictional town council could spend its budget. They consider the concerns of different...

More Community resources

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

My Community

During this lesson pupils consider what we mean by the word community and are challenged to think about all the different community groups they belong to and how it feels…

Lessons, Community, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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,…

More Relationships resources

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Two Brothers

In this lesson pupils will read a tale adapted from Egyptian legend which tells of the love and care which two brothers showed for each other. In discussion, pupils will…

Lessons, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Power of Giving

In this lesson pupils will read a tale from Japanese folklore which tells of how one small act of generosity leads to big gains. They will think about whether generous…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, Relationships, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Dilemmas

Over a series of short sessions, pupils will have the opportunity to consider ethical dilemmas which may arise in day to day life. Pupils will be encouraged make decisions by…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Student Tools, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

How to Make a Persuasive Presentation

Do you care passionately about helping a certain charity or supporting a particular cause but think if more people got involved you could make an even bigger difference? How can…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

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…

Lessons, Sustainability and the Environment, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Plastic Pollution (KS2)

Find out more about the impact of plastic on our oceans. Watch this introductory video and use our free...

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Lessons, Economics, Money and Managing Resources, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Why Do We Pay Taxes? (Part 2)

Pupils will learn that councils are responsible for local spending decisions and can raise additional funds for public services through council taxes. To access this content, register for our School…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Migration

In this lesson pupils will gain an understanding of the term ‘migration’ and some of the reasons why people migrate. They will consider the benefits of migration for a country…

Certificates, Health and Wellbeing, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Bouncing Back (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Bounce Back. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills and knowledge…