New
New
Year 11

What debates exist around British identity?

I can describe what is meant by British identity and values, and explain why they are sometimes debated.

New
New
Year 11

What debates exist around British identity?

I can describe what is meant by British identity and values, and explain why they are sometimes debated.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. British identity is complex, diverse and shaped by history, culture and politics.
  2. British values developed over time, promoting democracy, law, liberty, respect and tolerance for all.
  3. British values are debated in politics, schools, media and communities as society changes and faces challenges.

Keywords

  • Values - core beliefs or principles that guide how individuals or societies think and act

  • Nation - a large group of people connected by shared elements such as culture, traditions, history and language

Common misconception

There is a single, clear British identity that everyone shares.

British identity is diverse and multi-faceted, with different people valuing different aspects depending on their background and experience.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What debates exist around British identity?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage open, respectful discussions. Remind pupils that discussing values reflects diverse views and helps us understand society better.
Teacher tip

Equipment

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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to its correct definition.

Correct Answer:identity,the qualities and characteristics that make people who they are

the qualities and characteristics that make people who they are

Correct Answer:culture,shared beliefs, traditions and values of a group of people

shared beliefs, traditions and values of a group of people

Correct Answer:stereotype,a simplified and inaccurate belief about a group of people

a simplified and inaccurate belief about a group of people

Correct Answer:discrimination,unfair treatment of people based on their identity or background

unfair treatment of people based on their identity or background

Q2.
Which of the following can influence a person’s identity?

Correct answer: family
Correct answer: social media
time they wake up
Correct answer: religion
favourite flavour of ice cream

Q3.
Which of the following is the best example of someone having multiple identities?

a person who only speaks one language
Correct answer: a person who is British, Muslim, a footballer and a sister
a person who works in a bank
a person who lives in a small village

Q4.
Our identity is shaped by both nature and ...

Correct Answer: nurture

Q5.
Why might someone’s identity change over time?

because they grow taller
because they forget things
Correct answer: because of new experiences
because of changing environments

Q6.
Why is it important to understand and respect other people’s identities?

it makes conversations shorter
Correct answer: it helps create more inclusive communities
it prevents people from having opinions
it allows everyone to wear the same clothes

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match each word to its correct definition.

Correct Answer:values,ideas and beliefs that people think are important in life and society

ideas and beliefs that people think are important in life and society

Correct Answer:nation,a group of people who share a common identity, often linked by history

a group of people who share a common identity, often linked by history

Correct Answer:British values,a set of principles that are promoted in the UK

a set of principles that are promoted in the UK

Q2.
British values include democracy, rule of , individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Correct Answer: law

Q3.
Which statement best describes British identity?

Everyone in Britain shares exactly the same identity.
British identity is the same in every part of the UK.
Correct answer: British identity is diverse and shaped by different backgrounds and experiences.
There is only one true way to be British.

Q4.
Why might someone feel excluded from the idea of a shared British identity?

because they don't know any British celebrities
Correct answer: because their background is not always reflected in national tradition
because they dislike the food in Britain
because they don’t live near London

Q5.
Where do British values mainly come from?

television shows and films
Correct answer: Parliament and historical events
sports competitions
the weather in the UK
Correct answer: national traditions

Q6.
Why are British values often debated in public and political discussions?

Correct answer: because people debate how they should be defined
because people want to ban them
because they are too simple to understand
because everyone agrees with them completely
Correct answer: because people disagree on how they should be applied