How is the UK population changing?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can analyse how the UK population is changing and describe the possible impacts on society.
Key learning points
- Since the 1950s, the UK's population has grown steadily, increasing from about 50 million to 69.5 million in 2025.
- The UK now has an ageing population, is more religiously and ethnically diverse and more people identify as disabled.
- An increasing and changing population has an impact on the public services the Government provides.
- It is important to understand population changes so Government can make better policies and support everyone’s needs.
Keywords
Population - all the inhabitants of a particular place or region
Society - the people living together in an ordered community
Common misconception
Population changes only happen through immigration.
Population changes include factors like birth rates, ageing and internal migration, as well as immigration.
Teacher tip
When discussing topics like disability, ageing, religion or ethnicity, model sensitive and respectful language. Use terms that focus on people first and avoid phrases that imply burden or blame.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word to its correct meaning.
qualities that make someone different from others
qualities and traits that come from genetics or biology
influences from upbringing, education and environment
ideas or principles people think are important
Q2.A person’s identity can be shaped by both and nurture.
Q3.The UK is a multi-nation state made up of England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Q4.Why is the idea of a shared British identity considered complex?
Q5.British are principles such as individual liberty, democracy and the rule of law that many believe help society work well together.
Q6.Why are British values often debated?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word to its correct meaning.
all the inhabitants of a particular place or region
the people living together in an ordered community
the variety of people in a group in terms of background, beliefs, etc
Q2.In , the UK population was around 50 million. By 2025, it is expected to reach approximately 69.5 million.
Q3.The UK has an population, meaning there are more older people than before.
Q4.What does it mean when we say the UK has become more diverse?
Q5.Why is it important for the Government to understand population changes?
Q6.Which of the following is true about population change?
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How is the UK population changing?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: How is the UK population changing?, 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 4 citizenship lessons from the How is UK society diverse and changing? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.