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      How do we decide on the issue to investigate?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain Citizenship concepts, provide examples of related issues and describe how to select an issue for investigation.

      Key learning points

      1. Citizenship covers broad concepts like equality, democracy, and justice, each addressing specific issues in society.
      2. Active citizenship projects can address various issues, but each issue must relate to a Citizenship concept.
      3. There are many factors that need to be considered before choosing an issue to investigate such as resources and impact.

      Keywords

      • Advocate - a person or group that defends or maintains a cause or proposal

      • Citizenship concept - a broad idea within Citizenship education

      • Investigate - to look into something carefully to learn more about it and find out the facts

      Common misconception

      Issues do not need to be related to Citizenship concepts.

      Active citizenship requires issues investigated and advocated for to have a clear link between a Citizenship concept and the issue.

      Teacher tip

      Provide examples of issues that have been investigated within your school and/or local community.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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 words with their correct definitions.

      Correct Answer:active citizenship,process of learning how to take part in democracy

      process of learning how to take part in democracy

      Correct Answer:active citizen,actively taking responsibility to try and make a positive difference

      actively taking responsibility to try and make a positive difference

      Correct Answer:skills,abilities or expertise gained through practice or experience

      abilities or expertise gained through practice or experience

      Q2.
      Complete this sentence: A is a detailed examination or investigation of a person, group or event over a period of time

      Correct Answer: case study

      Q3.
      Which active citizen campaigned for women's suffrage?

      Mari Copney
      Correct answer: Emmeline Pankhurst
      Greta Thunberg
      Sir Alan Bates
      Martin Luther King Jr.

      Q4.
      Match the citizenship skills with their correct definition.

      Correct Answer:communication,sharing information effectively

      sharing information effectively

      Correct Answer:discussion and debate,exchanging and arguing ideas

      exchanging and arguing ideas

      Correct Answer:analysing,breaking down complex problems

      breaking down complex problems

      Correct Answer:research,gathering detailed information

      gathering detailed information

      Correct Answer:teamwork,collaborating towards shared goals

      collaborating towards shared goals

      Correct Answer:critical thinking,evaluating ideas logically

      evaluating ideas logically

      Q5.
      Which level of action would be most appropriate for a poster campaign?

      Correct answer: local
      national
      international

      Q6.
      Which are examples of Citizenship concepts?

      Correct answer: democracy
      Correct answer: law
      Correct answer: rights
      climate change
      Post Office scandal

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What does the term 'Citizenship concept' refer to?

      Correct answer: big ideas within Citizenship
      specific issues within Citizenship
      active citizens
      active citizenship

      Q2.
      Match the Citizenship concepts with their definitions.

      Correct Answer:rights,legal or moral entitlements

      legal or moral entitlements

      Correct Answer:power,authority held by leaders

      authority held by leaders

      Correct Answer:democracy,rule by the people

      rule by the people

      Correct Answer:justice,fair treatment for all

      fair treatment for all

      Correct Answer:global citizenship,responsibilities beyond borders

      responsibilities beyond borders

      Correct Answer:equality,fairness and equal opportunities

      fairness and equal opportunities

      Q3.
      Which issue is related to the Citizenship concept, justice?

      Correct answer: having access to legal help
      the gender pay gap
      representation of different groups in the media
      immigration law
      fair trade and buying ethical products

      Q4.
      The issue of 'lowering the voting age to 16' relates to what Citizenship concept?

      equality
      rights
      global citizenship
      Correct answer: democracy

      Q5.
      Match the points to consider before deciding on an issue with their rationale.

      Correct Answer:interest / passion,keeps team motivated

      keeps team motivated

      Correct Answer:resources available,ensures project feasibility

      ensures project feasibility

      Correct Answer:relevance and importance,meaningful to society

      meaningful to society

      Correct Answer:knowledge of the issue,informed decision-making

      informed decision-making

      Correct Answer:impact,creates real change

      creates real change

      Q6.
      What does the term 'advocate' mean?

      a broad idea within Citizenship education
      to look into something carefully to learn more about it and find out the facts
      Correct answer: a person or group that defends or maintains a cause or proposal
      a specific issue related to a Citizenship concept

      To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How do we decide on the issue to investigate?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...