Week 3 - Understanding British Values: Democracy

Understanding British Values: Democracy

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to understand the importance of the British value of democracy.

Introduce the learning objective to the students and explain the importance of understanding democracy as a British value.

Why do we have British values?

SEN video

Slide 1: What is Democracy?

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives.

Explain the concept of democracy and its basic definition. Ask students to think about examples of democratic countries.

Slide 2: Key Principles of Democracy

1. Rule of law

2. Free and fair elections

3. Protection of human rights

4. Majority rule with respect for minority rights

Discuss the key principles of democracy and their significance. Encourage students to reflect on the importance of each principle.

Slide 3: Democracy in Britain

Britain is a parliamentary democracy, where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Explain how democracy is practiced in Britain, emphasizing the role of elected representatives and the parliamentary system.

Slide 4: Voting Rights in Britain

Universal suffrage in Britain means that all citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote in elections.

Discuss the concept of universal suffrage and highlight the significance of everyone having the right to vote in Britain.

In what year

Slide 5: Democracy and Freedom of Speech

Democracy supports freedom of speech, allowing individuals to express their opinions and engage in open discussions.

Explain how democracy and freedom of speech are intertwined, and how they contribute to a thriving democratic society.

Slide 6: Democracy and Responsibilities

Alongside rights, democracy also involves responsibilities such as obeying laws and participating in civic activities.

Discuss the concept of civic responsibilities and how they are an integral part of a functioning democracy.

Slide 7: Why is Democracy Important?

Democracy ensures government accountability, protects individual rights, and allows for peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Engage students in a discussion about the importance of democracy and its positive impacts on society.

Slide 8: Recap and Reflection

Recap the key points about democracy and ask students to reflect on how democracy is practiced in their own lives.

Summarize the main concepts covered in the lesson and encourage students to think critically about democracy in their daily lives.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.