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      What debates exist around British identity?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

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

      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.

      Teacher tip

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

      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 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

      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

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