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      How and why do people migrate to and from different communities?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain what migration is, understand different types of migration, and analyse push and pull factors.

      Key learning points

      1. Regular and irregular migrants refer to different migration methods, based on legal or administrative processes.
      2. Asylum seekers and refugees are migrants seeking safety from persecution or danger in another country.
      3. Migration push factors include war, natural disasters & persecution; pull factors include jobs, safety & opportunities.
      4. Understanding push & pull factors can help governments create policies to improve living conditions & support migrants.

      Keywords

      • Migration - the movement of people from one place to another, for example, moving from one country to another

      • Migrant - a person who moves from one country to another

      • Pull factor - a positive, motivating cause that attracts a person to move from one region or country to another

      • Push factor - negative things that make people want to leave an area, for example, war

      Common misconception

      Migration only occurs because people are forced to leave their country due to negative reasons (e.g., war or persecution).

      While people are often forced to migrate (due to push factors like war or persecution), others choose to migrate for reasons like better job opportunities, family reunification, or improved living conditions (pull factors).

      Teacher tip

      You might want to talk with your DSL or a pastoral leader in your school before delivering this lesson.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      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.
      Match the following words with the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:identity,the qualities that make a person or group unique

      the qualities that make a person or group unique

      Correct Answer:community,a group of people with something in common or shared interests

      a group of people with something in common or shared interests

      Correct Answer:local community,a group of people living in the same geographical area

      a group of people living in the same geographical area

      Q2.
      Our identities are shaped by nature, and personal experiences, and can change over time.

      Correct Answer: nurture

      Q3.
      Which of the following is an example of being involved in your community?

      ignoring local events
      Correct answer: volunteering to clean up a park
      watching TV at home
      going on holiday

      Q4.
      You can belong to more than one group at once, which means you can have identities.

      Correct Answer: multiple

      Q5.
      Which of these is an example of a community that is not based on location?

      a school in your neighbourhood
      a local football team
      Correct answer: a group of people who play the same online game
      a street of houses

      Q6.
      Which of the following best describes one of the goals of community involvement?

      to reduce interactions within the area
      Correct answer: to promote activities that improve the area
      to focus solely on individual achievements
      to maintain distance from local issues

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words with the correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:migration,the movement of people from one place to another

      the movement of people from one place to another

      Correct Answer:migrant,a person who moves from one country to another

      a person who moves from one country to another

      Correct Answer:push factor,a negative reason that causes someone to leave their country

      a negative reason that causes someone to leave their country

      Correct Answer:pull factor,a positive reason that encourages people to move to a new country

      a positive reason that encourages people to move to a new country

      Q2.
      A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their country due to , danger or violence.

      Correct Answer: persecution

      Q3.
      Which of the following is an example of a pull factor?

      flooding
      war
      Correct answer: job opportunities
      discrimination

      Q4.
      What word is used by the Migration Observatory to describe a migrant who has moved through official and legal processes?

      Correct answer: regular
      irregular
      temporary
      seasonal

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements is correct?

      Migration only happens because people are escaping war.
      People migrate only when they are forced to.
      Migration always involves danger and fear.
      Correct answer: Migration can happen for both positive and negative reasons.

      Q6.
      Understanding push and pull factors helps governments make better decisions about migration and support systems.

      Correct Answer: policies

      To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How and why do people migrate to and from different communities?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...