How can we make change happen?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how we evaluate methods that create change and what helps a campaign succeed.
Key learning points
- Change can be achieved through various campaigning methods, including petitions, protests and direct contact with MPs.
- Each method has specific strengths and is suited to different objectives, like influence or public awareness.
- Effective campaigns are characterised by clear messaging, the use of real-life evidence and strong partnerships.
- Strategic timing, particularly when aligned with current events or agendas, increases the likelihood of success.
- Evaluating the impact of a campaign involves assessing whether the chosen method led to meaningful outcomes or change.
Keywords
Change - making something different; altering or modifying something
Campaign - actions or events organised by an individual or a group of people to achieve an aim
Common misconception
All campaigns work the same way; if one method worked once, it will always work.
Never overlook the importance of choosing the right method for the right situation and evaluating its impact. Some campaigns will require a combination of methods.
Teacher tip
Use June Eric-Udorie as a powerful role model. Her success as a teenager shows pupils they do not need to wait until they are older to be taken seriously or to lead change. Use local campaigns and local changemakers that have made a difference in your community as other case studies for the lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which method would be useful when trying to get lots of people to support your idea?
Q2.Who has the power to change laws?
Q3.A youth councillor represents people to make their voices heard and include them in the democratic process.
Q4.Order the Standards that the National Youth Agency launched in May 2025.
Q5.Who was the 'Let Girls Play’ campaign organised by?
Q6.Established in 2019, Teach the Future is an initiative led by young people which aims to implement __________ education across the curriculum.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word to its definition.
making something different; altering or modifying something
actions or events organised to achieve an aim
the act of continuing to achieve an aim even when it is difficult
Q2.A petition is a method used to show public for a cause.
Q3.Which method is most effective when trying to directly involve decision-makers in a campaign?
Q4.Order the steps someone might follow to prepare a petition campaign.
Q5.Which of these is least likely to make a campaign successful?
Q6.A campaign is more likely to succeed if it is timed with current , news or debates.
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: How can we make change happen?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 citizenship lesson on: How can we make change happen?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the How can young people play an active role in democracy? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.