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      What can effective change look like?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what the key features of effective change are and why it is important for society.

      Key learning points

      1. Effective change addresses root causes, is strategically planned, sustainable and has a lasting impact.
      2. It enhances quality of life and strengthens communities by tackling critical issues and delivering meaningful outcomes.
      3. The women's suffrage movement exemplified effective change by creating a more equitable society.
      4. Community policing shows how effective change can build trust and reduce crime.
      5. Housing improvements, such as safer homes, demonstrate how effective change can address social inequalities.

      Keywords

      • Change - the process of becoming different or making something different

      • Effective change - this is when an event or change happens which achieves its goal, makes a difference for the better and has a lasting effect

      Common misconception

      Effective change only happens through large, dramatic actions or protests and smaller efforts don't make a difference.

      Effective change can happen in many ways. While protests like those led by the women's suffrage movement can bring attention to important issues, smaller actions, like community policing, can also lead to significant and lasting change.

      Teacher tip

      Use an example from your school or local community about how effective change has taken place. This could have been the result of a school council campaign, a survey or focus group, or a community action.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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.
      Select committees allow people to help shape policies and contribute to .

      Correct Answer: democracy

      Q2.
      What is the name of the process in which select committees investigate government activities and policies?

      Correct Answer: inquiries

      Q3.
      The Government must respond to a select committee's findings by writing a ...

      poem.
      Correct answer: report.
      article.
      story.

      Q4.
      Put the name of this group in the correct order.

      1 - The
      2 - Women
      3 - and
      4 - Equalities
      5 - Committee

      Q5.
      Match the start of each sentence with its ending.

      Correct Answer:Democracy means everyone's,voice is heard in Parliament.
      Correct Answer:Evidence submitted to select committees,might include written submission or oral testimony.
      Correct Answer:Sharing documents is another,way to give evidence to select committees.

      Q6.
      It is important that everyone gets a right to give evidence to select committees, including .

      Correct Answer: children, young people, teenagers, pupils, students

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word with its correct definition.

      Correct Answer:change,the process of becoming different or making something different
      Correct Answer:effective,getting the results you want in a way that works well and is efficient
      Correct Answer:effective change,something becoming different because it achieves its goal and lasts

      Q2.
      Effective change addresses __________ problems and focuses on solving the main causes, not just the surface issues.

      trunk
      leaf
      stem
      Correct answer: root

      Q3.
      Which of the following is an example of effective change?

      a protest that lasts for one day
      Correct answer: a campaign that helps people vote for the first time
      a school event that raises awareness for a few hours

      Q4.
      A new approach to community policing in Camden, New Jersey, has shown that effective change can build trust and crime in neighbourhoods.

      Correct Answer: reduce, lower

      Q5.
      What was the main impact of the women's suffrage movement?

      Correct answer: It gave women the right to vote.
      It helped to improve women’s healthcare.
      It helped get all women an education.

      Q6.
      Which of the following statements are true?

      Effective change only happens through large, dramatic actions or protests.
      The women's suffrage movement did not help create a more equal society.
      Correct answer: Effective change can improve quality of life and strengthen communities.

      To help you plan your 8 citizenship lesson on: What can effective change look like?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...