Hello, I'm Mrs. Barry, and I'm going to be your Citizenship teacher today.

We've got a really interesting lesson practising some learning that we've already done.

If any of this is new to you, that's okay because we'll recap it and I'll be able to explain any new concepts or ideas to you.

So, when you're ready to practise, we can make a start.

Today's lesson comes from the unit "Practising what we've learnt." Today's lesson is called "What has shaped the identity of the UK?" Our outcome for today is to explain how the UK's identity changed over time and how national identities affect the UK today.

So let's make a start.

During today's lesson, we'll be covering some key terms. The first one, identity, who a person is or the qualities of a person or group that makes them different than others.

Devolution, which is the transfer of some powers from the government to the Welsh Parliament, the Senedd, and the Northern Ireland Assembly and Scottish Parliament.

And diversity, where a society or group is made up of many different people from different countries, races, and religions, and have different interests, skills, and beliefs.

Our lesson has two parts today.

Firstly, how has the UK's identity changed over time? And then we'll go on to look at how do national identities affect the UK today? So let's make a start with this first one, how has the UK's identity changed over time? This lesson will help you revise key concepts for GCSE Citizenship Studies.

The UK has never had a single fixed identity.

Instead, it has been shaped by a range of historical, cultural, political, and social influences.

From immigration and religious change to changing national identities and political devolution, the diversity of the UK today reflects a long history of transformation.

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another.

The UK has experienced a lot of migration over the years, with people coming to settle in Britain and becoming part of British society, which has had an effect on its identity.

People in the UK have also moved to other parts of the world.

This includes the historic period of British colonisation, where people from Britain lived in colonies across the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Additionally, in more recent years, many British citizens have emigrated to countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States, influenced by the idea of moving for better opportunities or to explore new places.

People migrate for many different reasons.

For example, for their safety, for new and better opportunities such as jobs, to study, or to be with family.

Which here is the correct definition for migration? Is it A, the temporary movement of individuals between regions, B, the movement of people from one house to another, or C, the movement of people from one place to another? So the correct definition for migration is the movement of people from one place to another.

Well done if you got that right.

The identity of the UK has changed significantly due to immigration.

For example, the arrival of the Windrush generation from Caribbean countries, beginning in 1948, marked a key moment in shaping modern British identity.

These migrants were invited by the British Government to help rebuild the country after World War II and brought new cultural traditions, music, and food, enriching society.

The effects of their arrival are still visible today in areas like Brixton and Notting Hill in London.

The Windrush generation helped lay the foundation of today's multicultural society, full of diversity and celebrating differences.

Can you complete this sentence? The UK is a what and what society? And there's four options here.

So A, insular, B, multicultural, C, segregated, and D, diverse.

So, the UK is a multicultural and diverse society.

Well done if you picked out those correct key terms. Religious and ethnic diversity have also evolved.

For example, the 2021 Census showed the number of people identifying as Christian dropped to 46.

2% from the 2011 Census.

This is the first time it has been below half in England and Wales.

37.

2% of people said they had no religion.

There are now a diverse range of religions in UK society.

This change reflects the growing multi-faith nature of the UK and how identity is now influenced by a wider range of beliefs and cultures.

Such changes have led to new discussions about values, inclusion, and what it means to be British in a diverse and multi-faith society.

The statements below are incorrect.

Correct them to make three correct statements about the changing identity of the UK.

So the first statement says, "The 2021 Census showed that 70% of people in the UK are Christian." The second statement says, "The Windrush generation arrived from India in 1960." And the last statement, number 3 here, says, "There are fewer religions in the UK now than there were in the past." So, these are the corrected statements, and this is what they should look like: Firstly, the 2021 Census showed that 46.

2% of people in the UK identified as Christian.

Secondly, the Windrush generation arrived mainly from the Caribbean in 1948.

And thirdly, there is more religious diversity in the UK now than there was in the past.

Well done if you made those corrections.

The UK's identity has also been shaped by political events like joining and later leaving the European Union.

For example, the Brexit Referendum in 2016 changed how many people viewed their identity.

Some felt more British and wanted to take back control from the EU, while others who identified as European felt a loss.

This change affected immigration policies and how people from other countries view the UK.

Another significant change in identity can be seen through demographics.

For example, between the 2011 and 2021 Censuses, the number of people in England and Wales were identifying as white British decreased, while people identifying as Asian, Black, or mixed ethnicity increased.

This change means that younger generations are growing up in a much more diverse country.

The change in demographic makeup affects everything from language to food, fashion, and education, shaping a more globally influenced UK identity.

Which image does not represent HMT Empire Windrush? Have a good look at these three pictures and see which one is not representative of it.

Well done if you've spotted it was B here.

Image A shows the route that HMT Empire Windrush took, and C is an image of the ship.

Let's practise what we've learned.

So I'd like you to explain two ways in which immigration and religious change have shaped the identity of the UK.

You must include the Windrush generation and the 2021 Census.

You should also try to include these words too, as Sofia asks.

So she's looking for identity and diversity to be included in your answer.

Pause the video, give it a good go, and when you've tried it, come back and we can have a look at what you might have put.

Well done for giving that a go.

I asked you to explain two ways in which immigration and religious change have shaped the identity of the UK.

Your answer might have included the following: One way immigration has shaped the UK's identity is through the arrival of Windrush generation, beginning in 1948.

They brought cultural traditions, music, and values from the Caribbean and helped create a more multicultural society.

Their legacy is still visible today in food, festivals, and community life, especially in diverse urban areas like Brixton in London.

Another way is the change in religion shown in the 2021 Census, where fewer people identified as Christian and more people said they had no religion.

This shows that the UK is now a more multi-faith society where religious diversity has become a key part of its national identity, and public services are shaped to reflect this.

Well done if your answer was similar to this.

We're onto part two of our lesson now, and we're looking at how do national identities affect the UK today? National identities within the UK, such as being Scottish, Welsh, English, or Northern Irish, can affect how people see themselves and how the country is governed.

For example, many people in Scotland identify as Scottish rather than British, especially since the 2014 Independence Referendum.

National identity can influence political behaviour, with Scottish voters often supporting the Scottish National Party, which campaigns for independence.

Support for another referendum remains strong among some groups.

Devolution has given more powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which means different laws and policies can now exist in different parts of the UK.

For example, in Scotland, prescriptions are free, whereas in England, people usually pay.

This shows how devolved governments can shape the identity of each nation separately.

Devolution agreements have allowed for more local decision-making, which has contributed to a change of identity for the UK.

What is an example of devolution in the UK? Let's have a look at these statements.

A, the voting age in a general election, B, the UK Parliament making a new law, C, Scotland making its own education policy, or D, the UK joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation.

Can you spot which is an example of devolution in the UK? Well done if you identified that Scotland making its own education policy is an example of devolution in the UK.

Someone in Wales may identify as Welsh first, especially with the growth of Welsh language education and cultural pride.

National identity can influence feelings of belonging and how people want the UK to be run.

In 2023, a survey by the Welsh Government found that over 36% of people surveyed supported more devolved powers for Wales.

This can affect UK-wide decisions, as demands for independence or autonomy can lead to political debates and constitutional changes.

Similarly, national identity can affect attitudes towards big issues like healthcare, education, and independence movements.

For example, in Northern Ireland, some people identify as Irish, others as British, and some as both.

This mix of national identities influences debates around Northern Ireland's place in the UK and its relationship with the Republic of Ireland.

For example, according to the 2021 Census in Northern Ireland, 42.

8% identified as British, 33.

3% as Irish, and 31.

5% as Northern Irish.

These figures include people who selected multiple identities, which is why the percentages exceed 100%.

Let's have a look at this.

I'd like you to fill in the missing words.

So in Scotland, what are free because of devolution? The 2014 Referendum in what asked if it should become independent? And over 36% of people in Wales supported more what powers? Let's have a look then.

So in Scotland, prescriptions are free because of devolution.

The 2014 Referendum in Scotland asked if it should become independent.

And over 36% of people in Wales support more devolved powers.

Well done if you filled in those missing words.

Another way national identity impacts the UK today is through representation in politics and public life.

For example, devolved governments can prioritise local languages, symbols, and holidays, reinforcing the distinct identity of each nation.

In Scotland, Gaelic is increasingly used in signage and education, while in Wales, the Senedd promotes Welsh cultural events and supports bilingual policies.

These actions influence how citizens see their role within the UK and whether they feel their identity is respected and represented by the government.

Is this true or false? The Senedd promotes the use of Gaelic in their cultural events.

That's false, it's the Scottish Parliament that promotes the use of Gaelic in education.

The Senedd is the Welsh Parliament, so they encourage Welsh cultural events.

There is much to discuss about how far our identity affects our rights.

Some will argue this is true because of issues like discrimination.

However, others see acts like the Equality Act 2010 as progressive and removing the impact of identity on people's rights.

Alex tells us about the Equality Act 2010 here, "The Equality Act 2010 ensures that everyone has the right to live free of prejudice and discrimination.

This means we are protected by the law and our identity is not affected.

The UK passed the Human Rights Act in 1998, which means we have rights protected by law regardless of our identity." Izzy tells us here that "our rights are affected by our identity.

For example, asylum seekers and refugees are not granted all of the rights of a citizen.

Despite the laws that exist to protect us, hate crimes happen because of our identity.

People are prejudiced against some people.

That shows that our identity does affect our rights." As we just heard from Izzy, our rights are affected by our identity.

What I'd like you to do is to write two to three sentences to explain your opinion on this statement.

Once you've given that a go, we can have a look at what you might have written.

So, you might have written something like this: Some people's rights are affected by their identity, especially those who are not full citizens.

For example, asylum seekers do not have the same legal rights to work or claim benefits as UK citizens.

People from minority backgrounds may also face discrimination despite the laws that aim to protect everyone equally.

Alternatively, your answer might have included this: The Equality Act 2010 protects individuals from discrimination based on identity, including disability, gender, race, and religion.

This means that everyone in the UK should have equal access to services and protection under the law.

Your rights should not depend on your identity because the law is designed to treat everyone fairly.

Well done for giving that task a go.

So let's draw together everything we've learned in this section.

What I'd like you to do is to use Source A to explain two effects of national identity and devolution on how the UK is governed.

And here we have Source A, which is a map showing the different nations of the UK.

So pause the video, give that a go, and then come back and we can have a look together at what you might have written.

So I asked you to use that source to explain two effects of national identity and devolution on how the UK is governed, and your answer might look like this: Source A shows the different nations within the United Kingdom.

Devolution allows different parts of the UK to make their own laws on issues like education and healthcare.

One effect is that devolved governments can reflect local national identities by creating policies that suit their people.

For example, in Scotland, free prescriptions show how national priorities differ from England, where people usually have to pay.

This demonstrates how national identity influences devolved decision-making.

Your answer might continue: A second effect is that devolution strengthens national identities and increases support for further political autonomy.

Source A highlights how Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have distinct powers, which encourages people to identify more with their national group than with the UK as a whole.

For example, one survey showed that over 36% of people in Wales support more devolved powers through the Senedd.

This can influence debates about independence and how laws are made across the UK.

Well done for giving that a really good go.

In today's lesson, we've considered what has shaped the identity of the UK.

The identity of the UK has been shaped by historical immigration, such as the arrival of the Windrush generation, and by increasing religious and ethnic diversity.

Census data from 2021 shows a decline in people identifying as Christian and a rise in those with no religion, reflecting a more diverse and multi-faith society.

Major political events like Brexit have also influenced how people see their identity, changing views on what it means to be British.

Devolution has allowed nations like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to make their own laws, strengthening local national identities.

These national identities impact how people relate to the UK and influence debates about governance, independence, and representation.

Well done for working through this lesson with me today, and I look forward to seeing you in a Citizenship lesson soon.