How much of our pay goes to the Government?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what information can be found on a payslip and how much of our pay goes to the Government.
Key learning points
- A portion of our earnings is deducted by the Government for taxes like Income Tax and National Insurance.
- The amount of government deductions is shown to us on our payslip. This will show other deducations too such as pension.
- Income Tax is a progressive tax whereas National Insurance is a regressive tax.
Keywords
Tax - the charges imposed by the Government on citizens and corporations to finance some of its spending
Income Tax - a compulsory tax on earnings from employment collected by the Government to fund public services
National Insurance - contributions paid from money earned to enable individuals to qualify for certain benefits and the State Pension
Common misconception
Everyone pays the same rate of tax regardless of their salary.
The UK operates a progressive taxation system so people pay more if they earn more, according to the Government's band system.
Teacher tip
Using some examples of payslips from people on a range of salaries who qualify for different tax bands, do some group work analysing how much pay the Government took. For example, have pupils match the tax band with the payslip.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Fill in blank: Financial involves making informed decisions about budgeting, saving and avoiding debt.
Q2.What is the purpose of a savings account?
Q3.What is a budget?
Q4.Fill in the blank: A debit card allows you to spend directly from your bank account, while a card lets you repay money later.
Q5.Match the word to the correct definition.
doing what is morally right, fair and good
taking money from a lender with the intention of paying it back
when you spend more money than you have from your bank account
putting money into something with the aim of making a profit
Q6.Fill in the blank: is deception for financial gain, often through scams that steal money or personal information.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each word to its correct definition.
charges on employment earnings collected for public services
charges imposed by the Government on citizens and corporations
contributions paid for people to qualify for certain benefits
Q2.Fill in the blank: All deductions, such as taxes, are taken from your before you are paid.
Q3.Which is not included on a payslip aside?
Q4.National Insurance is calculated on earning above what amount?
Q5.Fill in the blank: A is a long-term savings plan that provides you with an income after you retire.
Q6.What kind of taxation system does the UK operate, according to the Government's band system?
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How much of our pay goes to the Government?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: How much of our pay goes to the Government?, 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 What has the UK economy got to do with me? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.