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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how the UK became diverse and assess the impact of diversity on society.

      Key learning points

      1. The UK has come to be one of the most diverse states in Europe. This is largely due to historical migration.
      2. Migration over centuries from different groups and events has shaped the UK’s diverse society today.
      3. There are many benefits to migration to the UK, including exposure to diverse cultures and rich cultural diversity.
      4. However, there are also challenges, including discrimination and difficulties in integrating into communities.

      Keywords

      • Diversity - when a group has people with different backgrounds and experiences; this can be differences in nationality, ethnicity, culture, religion, language, identity, interests, skills and perspectives

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

      • Immigration - the process of people moving from one country to another to live and work

      Common misconception

      Diversity only refers to ethnicity or race.

      Diversity includes many aspects such as culture, religion, language, age, gender and socioeconomic background.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage pupils to consider both benefits and challenges of migration without reinforcing stereotypes. Remind pupils that migration is complex and affects people differently. Use lesson evidence to gently challenge myths. Create a respectful space where everyone feels safe to share their views.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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 the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:identity,who a person is or the qualities that make them different than others

      who a person is or the qualities that make them different than others

      Correct Answer:population,the total number of people living in a specific place

      the total number of people living in a specific place

      Correct Answer:British values,principles many believe help society function well in the UK

      principles many believe help society function well in the UK

      Correct Answer:society,the people living together in an ordered community

      the people living together in an ordered community

      Q2.
      Why might someone’s identity change over time?

      they are forced to by the Government
      they have to copy celebrities and influencers
      Correct answer: their experiences, beliefs and values may develop
      people are only allowed one identity at a time

      Q3.
      Which of the following is not one of the four nations in the United Kingdom?

      Wales
      Scotland
      Northern Ireland
      Correct answer: Ireland

      Q4.
      Which statement best reflects the idea of a shared British identity?

      Everyone in the UK shares the exact same culture and history.
      British identity is simple and agreed upon by all citizens.
      Correct answer: British identity is complex and shaped by various factors.
      There is no such thing as having a British identity.

      Q5.
      Why is it important for the Government to understand population changes?

      to increase the cost of public services
      Correct answer: to better design policies that support everyone’s needs
      to stop immigration from taking place
      to reduce the amount of diversity in the UK

      Q6.
      As the UK’s population grows and changes, it places more demand on services such as healthcare and education.

      Correct Answer: public, state, welfare

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each word to its correct meaning.

      Correct Answer:diversity,when a group has people with different backgrounds and perspectives

      when a group has people with different backgrounds and perspectives

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

      a person who moves from one country to another

      Correct Answer:immigration,the process of entering and settling in a different country

      the process of entering and settling in a different country

      Q2.
      Which of the following best shows that diversity is about more than just ethnicity or race?

      Diversity means everyone eats different types of food.
      Diversity includes only immigrants from other countries.
      Correct answer: Diversity includes nationality, culture, religion, language and identity.
      Diversity is mainly about skin colour and accents, nothing else.

      Q3.
      One of the reasons the UK has become so diverse is due to historical from different parts of the world.

      Correct Answer: migration

      Q4.
      Which of these best explains why migration has helped shape modern Britain?

      Migrants are often forced to follow one culture.
      Correct answer: Migrants have influenced culture, economy and society.
      Migration hasn’t had much impact in the UK.
      Migration has only happened recently.

      Q5.
      Which of the following is not a benefit of migration and diversity?

      Correct answer: everyone having the same background and view
      more people with different experiences and skills
      greater creativity and cultural exchange
      migrants filling important job roles

      Q6.
      Which of the following is a possible challenge of migration and diversity?

      new languages being spoken
      wider food and drink choices
      Correct answer: discrimination or difficulty integrating
      increased creativity in schools

      To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How diverse is UK society?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...