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What change has protest achieved?
I can identify and evaluate different examples of protests and explain how they created change.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 11
What change has protest achieved?
I can identify and evaluate different examples of protests and explain how they created change.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Protests have led to significant changes, and usually address social, political, economic and environmental issues.
- Effective protests often involve large numbers of participants and sustained efforts over time.
- The success of a protest often depends on public support, media attention, and the clarity of its goals.
Keywords
Protest - a public demonstration or action expressing disapproval or objection to a policy, decision, or situation, often aimed at raising awareness or demanding change
Justice - fair treatment and equality under the law
Injustice - violation of rights or unfair treatment
Collective action - acting together to achieve a common goal
Common misconception
Protests always lead to immediate change.
Change brought by protests can take time and often requires persistence and widespread support. While some protests have led to quick reforms, others have taken years or even decades to achieve their goals.
Encourage pupils to relate protests discussed in the lesson to current events they are aware of. This helps pupils see the relevance of the topic and strengthens their engagement by making connections between real-world activism and classroom learning.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of sexual violence
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the right to protest?
What is the right to protest?
the right to cause disruption without consequences
the right to break the law when protesting
the right to assemble for any reason without restrictions
Q2.Match the word with the correct definition.
Match the word with the correct definition.
Q3.What is the purpose of protests in a democracy?
What is the purpose of protests in a democracy?
to force the government to change laws immediately
to disrupt daily life and cause public inconvenience
to allow citizens to bypass the law
Q4.Why must protests be regulated by law?
Why must protests be regulated by law?
to prevent any protest from happening
to allow protests only if the government agrees with the cause
to give more power to the government to control protests
Q5.What are the main legal limits on protests in the UK?
What are the main legal limits on protests in the UK?
the government must approve all protests
there are no legal limits on protests
protests are not allowed to take place in public spaces
Q6.What year was the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act introduced?
What year was the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act introduced?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each term to the correct definition.
Match each term to the correct definition.
Q2.What makes a protest most likely to influence government policy?
What makes a protest most likely to influence government policy?
vague demands paired with media coverage
spontaneous events without leadership or planning
disrupting essential services for as long as possible
Q3.How do protests help shape public debate, even without immediate policy changes?
How do protests help shape public debate, even without immediate policy changes?
they allow activists to take control of government decision-making
they pressure governments to reverse policies instantly
they eliminate opposition to government policies permanently
Q4.What lesson can be learned from protests that take years to achieve change?
What lesson can be learned from protests that take years to achieve change?
success is only possible if all protests last for years
governments always resist change, no matter how persistent the protests are
long-term protests are usually unsuccessful and fade away
Q5.Why is public support crucial for protest movements?
Why is public support crucial for protest movements?
it guarantees government action within 24 hours
it allows protesters to bypass laws without punishment
it ensures that protests always receive positive media attention
Q6.What was the name of the campaign founded by Amika George?
What was the name of the campaign founded by Amika George?
