Lesson video

Hello, welcome to today's lesson.

My name is Mrs. Hastings, and I'm really looking forward to teaching you today.

Today's lesson is from the unit, "How is UK society diverse and changing?" And the lesson title we are gonna be exploring today is, "What debates exist around British identity?" So again, some of the learning is gonna be quite challenging.

There's gonna be a lot to think about and discuss in this lesson, and I hope that you really enjoy it.

Good luck with the lesson today.

(mouse clicking) So the outcome for today's lesson is that by the end of it you'll be able to describe what is meant by British identity and values, and explain why they are sometimes debated.

(mouse clicking) Again, in today's lesson, there are some really important ground rules that we must follow to ensure that everybody feels safe and that their voices are heard when they want to share something.

(mouse clicking) So firstly, as Laura says, "Listen to others.

It is okay to disagree with each other, but we should listen properly before making assumptions or deciding how to respond.

When disagreeing, challenge the statement, not the person." (mouse clicking) Andeep says, "We must respect privacy.

We can discuss examples, but it's really important not to use names or descriptions that identify anyone, including ourselves." Izzy says that "We must be able to choose the level of participation.

Everyone has the right to choose not to answer a question or join discussion.

We never put anyone 'on the spot.

'" And Jacob says, "No judgement.

We can explore beliefs and misunderstandings about a topic without fear of being judged.

(mouse clicking) So the keywords for today's lesson are values, values are core beliefs or principles that guide how individuals or societies think and act; and nation, a large group of people connected by shared elements, such as culture, traditions, history, and language.

(mouse clicking) So there are three parts to our learning journey today.

In the lesson, what debates exist around British identity? The first learning cycle explores, does a shared British identity exist? Then we'll move onto, what are British values? And lastly, why are British values discussed or debated? So let's get on with the first learning cycle.

Does a shared British identity exist? So identity means the qualities and characteristics that make people who they are.

It's a shaped by many factors, such as genetics, family, friends, and culture.

People can have multiple identities because different parts of who they are come out in different situations.

Identity is also fluid, meaning it can change over time.

Our views, values and beliefs may evolve as we have new experiences.

What does it mean to be British? Have a conversation with your learning partner.

What do you think it means to be British? What is a British identity? So the main thing is that there's not one thing that contributes to your national identity.

It can depend on several different characteristics: History, what we think about of our past and what we explore in our past; culture; traditions; language; region, so whereabouts in Britain you are living.

So the idea of a shared British identity is really complex and sometimes contested.

It can vary greatly depending on history, geography, politics, and individual perspectives.

So you might think that drinking tea is a part of our British identity or eating fish and chips.

But depending on where you live in the UK or what you kind of think about the past and your traditions, that might not really be part of your British identity.

(mouse clicking) So let's check our understanding.

There is only one thing that contributes to your national identity.

Is that true or false? It is false.

Why? Because there is not just one thing that contributes to your national identity.

It can depend on several characteristics, such as history, culture, traditions, language, and region.

So well done if you correctly identified that that statement was false.

(mouse clicking) So what reasons might be given that there is a British identity? Firstly, we have common institutions.

So people across the UK share institutions, like Parliaments, the monarchy, the NHS, the National Health Service, the BBC, and the military.

And these can create a sense of belonging and pride.

We have a shared history and a global role, Britain's long history, including its imperial past and wartime experiences, and its role as a global power and democracy can be part of a shared story.

Civic nationalism, so in diverse cities, many people see British identity as open to everyone, regardless of background.

For migrants and ethnic minorities, British might feel more inclusive than say specific identities, like English or Scottish.

So if you have groups in urban areas or regional areas where there's lots of diversity of cultures and nationalities, actually having a sense of Britishness makes everybody feel like they belong.

(mouse clicking) What reasons might there be given that there is not a British identity? So national identities, many people might feel a stronger connection to being Scottish, Welsh, English, or Northern Irish rather than being British.

So if, for example, you're from Scotland and someone asked you, "What's your nationality?" Rather than saying British, you might say Scottish, and identify more with Scotland.

Linked to this is devolution and political divergence, so devolution has given more power to the individual nations in the UK.

The Senedd in Wales, Scottish Parliament, and the Northern Irish Assembly are led by different political parties who may have different policies to the UK government.

For example, free prescriptions in Wales, and lower university tuition fees in Scotland than in other parts of the United Kingdom.

And in places like Scotland, for example, the Scottish Nationalist Party actually have a lot more power in the Scottish Parliament than they have as MPs in the UK Parliament in London.

(mouse clicking) So let's check our understanding.

I'd like you to put a tick next to the reasons for British identities, and a cross next to reasons that there are not British identities.

A, common institutions; B, rise of national identities; C, devolution and political divergence; and D, shared history and global role.

So put a tick next to those that are reasons for British identities, and a cross next to those that there are not British identities.

So A, common institutions is a tick, it's a reason for British identity; B, rise of national identities is a cross, it's a reason that they are not British identities; C, devolution and political divergence is also a cross; and D, shared history and global role is a tick.

So well done if you got that right.

So the UK is a multi-nation state, there are more than one nationality living in the UK.

It's made up of four parts: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

This means individuals may identify differently, according to their UK identity.

For example, they may consider themselves Scottish rather than British.

Each nation has its own unique history, culture, traditions, and languages.

(mouse clicking) So an English identity might include a long and influential history, including events like the Norman Conquest in 1066, the development of Parliament from the 1600s onwards, the creation of the United Kingdom, which all contribute to a strong sense of national pride and tradition; the English language, literature like Shakespeare, football, certain food and drink: Tea, beer, fish and chips, all contribute to an English identity perhaps; the monarchy and national symbols like the St.

George's Cross, as you can see on the flag; and shared values like fairness, individual freedom, or even a good sense of humour.

So that might contribute to an English identity.

What about Scotland? Well, a Scottish identity might include a history of self-rule, which has influenced a desire for independence.

In 2014, a referendum was held on Scottish independence where 44.

7% voted to leave the UK; a culture rooted in Scottish history, including figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, symbols such as the saltire flag, tartan and kilts, as well as traditions like the Highland games, Burns Night, including haggis, and St.

Andrew's Day; and again, shared values like fairness, equality, and a strong sense of community.

For the Welsh, a Welsh identity might include: Pride in its ancient Celtic roots, legendary heroes, and a long tradition of resisting outside control, especially from England; the historic importance of the Welsh language: Cymraeg.

The Welsh Language Act in 1993 gave Welsh equal standing with English in the public sector, and it is taught in all Welsh schools; and a rich and distinctive culture, with traditions like the Eisteddfod festival of music and poetry, the use of the Welsh language, and national symbols like the red dragon, daffodil, and rugby as a source of pride and unity.

And a Northern Irish identity might include a complex past, including the partition of Ireland in 1921, the Troubles, a conflict over national identity and political control between those that wanted to be united with Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, and those who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom, and the Good Friday Agreement, which helped to bring about peace between those two conflicting groups in Northern Ireland in 1998.

Irish traditions, with rich contributions in music, sport and language, both Irish Gaelic and Ulster Scots, often expressed differently across communities; but also shared values such as peace, community, and the right to self-identify as British, Irish or both, reflecting the region's diverse and sometimes divided population.

So I'd like you to answer the following questions to check your understanding of what we've been learning about in terms of British identity and national identities within the United Kingdom.

So can you answer the following questions? One, name two shared institutions that help create a British identity; two, which UK nation had a referendum on independence in 2014? Three, what language is given equal status with English in Wales? And four, what agreement helped bring peace to Northern Ireland in 1998? (mouse clicking) (mouse clicking) Okay, so number one, the answer to the question: Name two shared institutions that help create a British identity.

You could have chosen things like Parliament, the monarchy, NHS, or BBC.

Two, which UK Nation had a referendum on independence in 2014? The answer is Scotland.

Number three, what language is given equals status with English in Wales? The answer is Cymraeg, the Welsh language.

And number four, what agreement helped bring peace to Northern Ireland in 1998? The answer is the Good Friday Agreement.

So well done if you correctly answered those questions.

(mouse clicking) Onto our first practise task in today's lesson.

So I would like you to think about this statement, "A shared British identity does not exist." I'd like you to place an X on the judgement line to demonstrate your opinion.

Do you completely agree or completely disagree? You got two ends of the spectrum there, or are you somewhere in between along that line? So place your X firstly on the judgement line to demonstrate your opinion.

And then secondly, I'd like you to justify your opinion with examples.

So pause the video whilst you complete that task, please.

Well done for completing that task.

So I'm going to give you the example.

First of all, for the statement, "A shared British identity does not exist." Place an X on the judgement line to demonstrate your opinion.

The first example is for towards the completely agree end.

Okay? So thinking that a shared British identity definitely does not exist.

And to justify that I have written the following answer, and yours might have looked a bit similar.

So you might have justified your answer like this.

I agree that shared British identity doesn't really exist because people in the UK often feel more strongly connected to their own nations, like being Scottish, Welsh, English, or Northern Irish.

These identities are shaped by different histories, cultures, and even political views.

For example, many people in Scotland support independence and don't feel British at all.

Also, "Britishness" can mean different things to different people.

In a diverse society, there isn't just one way to be British, so it's difficult to say that there's a single, shared identity across the UK.

So it's a really good justification to that opinion.

(mouse clicking) On the other hand, you might have put your X towards the completely disagree end, and you might have justified your answer like this.

I disagree with the idea that a shared British identity doesn't exist.

People across the UK share common values, such as democracy, freedom, and respect, which are promoted in schools and public life.

Institutions like the BBC, the NHS, and the monarchy help create a sense of unity.

Many people from different backgrounds proudly call themselves British, especially in multicultural cities.

Even though the four nations have their own cultures, British identity gives people a way to feel part of something bigger.

(mouse clicking) So well done for completing that task.

(mouse clicking) Let's move onto the second (mouse clicking) learning cycle in today's lesson: What are British values? So values means the basic ideas and beliefs that help us to determine what is important to us.

They can sometimes be described as our principles or standards of behaviour.

Different people will have different values.

What they hold dear to themselves might be different to other people.

British values are the values that we have as British people.

These values come from our history and our traditions.

The government, the British government have stated that there are five fundamental British values: Democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance.

(mouse clicking) Democracy is when everyone has a say in how the country is run, usually by voting in elections; (keyboard clacking) (mouse clicking) rule of law, this means that there are laws that exist to keep people safe and fair, and everyone must follow them; individual liberty, means that people have the freedom to make choices about their own lives as long as they don't harm others; mutual respect is the value that people should respect each other's differences, beliefs and opinions; and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs is the value that being open and accepting of people from different religions, cultures, and backgrounds.

(mouse clicking) So let's check our understanding of the British values.

So I'd like you to match the British value to its definition.

A, democracy; B, rule of law; C, individual liberty; D, mutual respect; and E, tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

And then the numbers to match to the definition to the value, are number one: Respect for differences, beliefs and opinions; two, everyone has a say in how the country is run; three, the freedom to make choices about our own lives; four, accepting of people from different backgrounds; and five, laws exist to keep people safe and fair.

So match the value to its definition now.

So A, democracy matches to number two, everyone has a say in how the country is run; B, rule of law matches to number five, laws exist to keep people safe and fair; C, individual liberty matches to the three, the freedom to make choices about own lives; D, mutual respect matches to number one, respect for differences, beliefs and opinions; and E, tolerance of different faiths and beliefs matches to four, accepting of people from different backgrounds.

So well done if you've matched those correctly.

(mouse clicking) So where do these British values come from? (mouse clicking) Well, democracy began with the Magna Carta in 1215, and the Magna Carta put a limit on the king's power and started the idea of parliamentary government.

(mouse clicking) Parliamentary government was developed through events like the English Civil War in the 1640s, and the Glorious Revolution in the 1688, and through Parliament's growth, Parliament becoming more powerful.

Reform acts in the 19th and 20th centuries expanded voting rights.

So for example, things like the 1918 Representation of the People's Act was the act that allowed some women, women over the age of 30 who owned property to be able to vote.

And today people vote in elections for MPs regularly, they vote for local councils, and in referendums, such as the 2016 Brexit vote.

(mouse clicking) Rule of law, again, we can go back to the Magna Carta to think about the rule of law because this stated that even the monarch must follow the law, so the idea that nobody is above the law.

(mouse clicking) And this grew through common law traditions and legal systems that aim to ensure fairness and justice.

No one being above the law is a core British legal principle.

Okay? So not even the monarch or the Prime Minister is above the law.

Today, police enforce laws, courts ensure fair trials, and leaders must obey the law.

So another important element is habeas corpus or trial by jury, which means that there is greater fairness when it comes to trials.

(mouse clicking) Individual liberty was inspired by enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who argued people have natural rights to freedom and property.

(mouse clicking) So the enlightenment (mouse clicking) was a period in the 1600 and 1700s when thinkers promoted reason, science and individual rights, challenging monarchs and the Church, and inspiring modern democracy and human rights.

The Bill of Rights in 1689 and human rights legislation protect individual freedoms in the UK.

Today people have freedom of speech, religion, and personal choices like education and marriage.

(mouse clicking) Mutual respect has been shaped by British traditions of politeness, fair play, and community spirit.

Mutual respect has become important in a multicultural society where different groups need to live together peacefully.

Today schools teach respect for others, and laws protect people from unfair treatment based on race, gender, or disability.

(keyboard clacking) (mouse clicking) And then lastly, tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

So tolerance of different faiths and beliefs developed following religious conflicts in Britain, including the Reformation.

The Reformation was when Henry VIII decided to reform the church in England from the Catholic church to the Protestant church back in the 1500s.

And these events eventually led to laws that protect freedom of religion 'cause it caused a lot of upheaval and conflict between the Protestants and the Catholics.

And so, as a result of that conflict, we now have laws that protect freedom of religion.

Over time, especially following the British Empire, British became even more diverse.

So through the British Empire, especially we had new religions coming into the UK, into Britain, so Hinduism, Islam, etc.

, and that's created diversity.

Today this tolerance is supported through education and legislation that promote acceptance of different cultures and religions.

The UK really celebrates many religious festivals and encourages interfaith dialogue to foster understanding and respect.

(mouse clicking) So let's check our understanding.

Which of the following historical events are most directly linked to the development of democracy, rule of law, and individual liberty? A, the Magna Carta and the Glorious Revolution; B, the Norman Conquest and the Industrial Revolution; C, World War I and the English Civil War; or D, the Battle of Hastings and the Reformation.

So which of those is most directly linked to the development of democracy, rule of law, and individual liberty? The correct answer is A, (mouse clicking) the Magna Carta and the Glorious Revolution.

So well done if you got that right.

(mouse clicking) While all the events listed shaped British values, Magna Carta and the Glorious Revolution had the biggest influence on key political principles like limiting royal power and strengthening Parliament.

(mouse clicking) So onto our practise task, Task B for this learning cycle, I'd like you to complete the table below, giving a definition of the value, where it came from, and an example of how it is applied in British society today.

So along the top, you've got the British value, definition, origin, and how it is applied.

And then you've got to identify each of those for democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance.

So pause the video whilst you complete that task.

So well done for completing that task.

(mouse clicking) Your completed table may look like this.

The British value of democracy, definition, everyone has a say in how the country is run.

Where it came from? Magna Carta, Glorious Revolution, and reform acts.

And how it is applied today? Regular elections are held.

Next one, rule of law.

Definition, laws exist to keep people safe and fair.

Where it came from? Magna Carta, common law, and traditions.

And how it is applied today? Police and law courts enforce laws.

Individual liberty, definition, the freedom to make choices of our own lives.

Where it came from? The Enlightenment and the Bill of Rights.

How it is applied today? Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, etc.

(mouse clicking) Your completed table may continue.

So the British value, mutual respect.

Definition, respect for differences, beliefs and opinions.

Where it came from? Christianity, and multiculturalism.

How it is applied today? Anti-discrimination laws protect people from being treated unfairly.

And lastly, tolerance.

Definition, accepting people from different backgrounds.

Where it came from? The Reformation, and increased diversity in the UK.

And how it is applied today? The UK celebrates many religious festivals.

(mouse clicking) So onto the third learning cycle in today's lesson.

Why are British values discussed or debated? So British values are often discussed and debated because they relate to big questions about identity, society, and how people live together.

Why do you think British values are discussed or debated? Talk about that question with your learning partner now.

So you might have come up with the following ideas for why British values are discussed or debated.

So we have a changing society, the UK is more diverse than ever with many cultures, religions, and backgrounds living together.

People debate what values should unite everyone.

Political changes, events like Brexit, immigration debates, and calls for Scottish independence raise questions about what being British actually means.

Education and integration, so schools teach British values to help young people understand and respect all faiths and encourage people from different backgrounds to live together peacefully, but sometimes there's debate about how these values should be taught.

And challenges to values, so issues like racism, religious intolerance, or threats to democracy make people question whether British values are really being upheld, whether they're being looked after, and whether they need strengthening.

So let's check our understanding.

Which reason why British values are discussed or debated is each pupil giving? So Alex says, "Events like Brexit, immigration debates, and calls for Scottish independence raise questions about what being British means.

Sam says, "Issues like racism, religious intolerance, or threats to democracy make people question whether British values are being upheld or need strengthening." And Jacob says, "The UK is more diverse than ever with many cultures, religions, and backgrounds living together." So which reason why British values are discussed or debated is each pupil giving? So the reason Alex is giving is political events; the reason Sam is giving are challenges to values; and the reason Jacob is giving is changes to society.

So well done, if you correctly identified the reasons there.

So how British values are discussed or debated? They're discussed or debated in politics, so politicians debate which values to prioritise and how to protect them.

For example, debates over free speech versus protecting people from hate speech and harmful language might be a big debate in parliament.

In schools, it's debated and discussed.

Teaching British values is required, it's a requirement in schools, but some parents or carers and communities debate how sensitive topics like religion, or gender identity and history should actually be covered.

It can be debated as to what history should be taught, how do we know what the right history is to be taught.

In the media, newspapers, TV, and social media host debates about topics such as immigration, multiculturalism, and national identity.

And these sometimes support or sometimes question British values.

And in communities, local groups hold discussions, workshops or events to promote shared values, and address challenges like discrimination or social division.

(keyboard clacking) (mouse clicking) So have a look at what these pupils are saying.

Which pupil is discussing that British values are debated in schools? Alex says, "Argue about which values to prioritise and how to protect them.

For example, debates over free speech versus protecting people from hate speech." Sam says, "Hold discussions, workshops, or events to promote shared values and address challenges like discrimination or social division." (mouse clicking) Jacob is saying, "Some communities debate how British values should be taught, especially around sensitive topics like religion, gender identity, and history." So which of those pupils is discussing that British values are debated in the schools? (mouse clicking) It is Jacob's.

Well done if you correctly identified that Jacob was saying that schools debate British values.

(mouse clicking) So onto Task C, the final task for today's lesson.

I'd like you to outline three reasons and three ways that British values are discussed or debated.

Pause the video whilst you complete this task.

(mouse clicking) So I asked you to outline three reasons and three ways that British values are discussed or debated.

You may have included the following in your answers.

Three reasons British values are discussed or debated include: Changing society, the UK is more diverse than ever with many cultures, religions, and backgrounds living together.

People debate what values should unite everyone.

Political changes, events like Brexit, immigration debates, and calls for Scottish independence raise questions about what being "British" means.

And challenges to values, issues like racism, religious intolerance, or threats to democracy make people question whether British values are being upheld or need strengthening.

(mouse clicking) And in three ways, British values are discussed or debated, your answer may have included: In politics, politicians and parties argue about which values to prioritise and how to protect them.

For example, debates over free speech versus protecting people from hate speech and harmful language.

In schools, it is a requirement for schools to teach British values, but some parents or carers and communities debate how this should be done, especially around sensitive topics like religion and gender identity.

And in the media, newspapers and social media host debates about immigration, multiculturalism, and national identity, sometimes supporting, sometimes questioning British values.

So well done for completing that task, and well done for completing today's lesson.

(mouse clicking) In summary, what debates exist around British identity? The idea of a shared British identity is complex, sometimes contested, and vary significantly depending on history, geography, politics, and individual perspectives.

The UK is a multi-nation state made up of four jurisdictions: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This means individuals may identify differently in relation to their UK identity.

British values are a set of ideas and principles that many people in the UK believe are important for society to work well together.

British values are often discussed and debated because they relate to big questions about identity, society, and how people live together.

I hope you've enjoyed today's lesson, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

Goodbye.

(mouse clicking).