Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Exploring British identity - who are the British?

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain who the British are by considering the history, geography and stereotypes linked to the British.

      Key learning points

      1. Britain has benefited from migration throughout its history. From the Angles, Saxons and Jutes to Windrush.
      2. The United Kingdom (UK) is made up of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
      3. Each of these countries has their own political assemblies, cultures and language, but together they form the UK.
      4. Stereotypes are simplified views of people. They can seem positive but are always generalisations.
      5. Prejudice and discrimination can occur because of stereotypes.

      Keywords

      • Migration - the movement of people from one place to another, e.g., moving from one country to another

      • Stereotype - a simplified view of a group of people

      • Discrimination - treating people unfairly or differently because of things like their race, gender or where they come from, instead of treating everyone equally

      • Prejudice - prejudging a person or people based on a characteristic, e.g., a negative view of a person because they are religious

      Common misconception

      Migration is a new event; in the past people stayed where they lived.

      Migration has always existed. Britain has benefited from many centuries of migration from Europe and the wider world.

      Teacher tip

      Young people may have preconceived ideas about migration from the media. Unpick these misconceptions carefully ensuring you remain factual in your responses.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      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

      Loading...

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What of the following is the correct definition of migration?

      When you move into a new house
      Correct answer: The movement of people from one place to another
      When people are forced to leave a country
      A person who arrives in a new country

      Q2.
      Early migration to England was from Europe. Which of the following is the correct name of one of these groups of early immigrants?

      French
      Correct answer: Angles
      Anglos
      Anglo-Saxons

      Q3.
      The Anglo-Saxons have had no impact on modern English culture. True or False?

      True
      Correct answer: False

      Q4.
      Match the country in the UK to the correct capital city.

      Correct Answer:England,London
      Correct Answer:Northern Ireland,Belfast
      Correct Answer:Scotland,Edinburgh
      Correct Answer:Wales,Cardiff

      Q5.
      Stereotypes are always negative. True or False?

      Correct Answer: False, No, Incorrect, Not true, F

      Q6.
      Which of the following is an example of discrimination?

      Believing that the right person for the job is a man.
      Believing in stereotypes about nationalities.
      Correct answer: Believing a man would be better at a job and refusing to hire a woman.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Put these migration events in the correct order.

      1 - Angles, Saxons and Jutes arrived in England.
      2 - The Normans invaded England.
      3 - Sir Nicholas Winton organised the Kindertransport for 669 Jewish children.
      4 - HMT Windrush arrived in Essex.

      Q2.
      Why did the Windrush Generation come to Britain?

      To flee war in their country
      To help Britain rebuild after World War Two
      To enjoy the "swinging sixties" in Britain
      To come to a country where they would be treated equally and with respect

      Q3.
      Which of the following contains all of the constituent countries in the UK?

      England, Scotland and Wales
      England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales
      Correct answer: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales
      Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland
      England and Scotland

      Q4.
      Match the country to the name of the location of its parliament or assembly.

      Correct Answer:England,Westminster Parliament
      Correct Answer:Scotland,Holyrood Parliament
      Correct Answer:Wales,Senedd
      Correct Answer:Nothern Ireland,Assembly at Stormont

      Q5.
      Is this an example of prejudice or discrimination? "Lola was excited to join the football team. However, when she arrived at the changing room, her teacher said only boys can play football."

      Prejudice
      Correct answer: Discrimination

      Q6.
      Which of the following are examples of common stereotypes associated with being British?

      Correct answer: drinking tea
      love to surf
      eat unhealthy food
      Correct answer: like to queue
      Correct answer: good at engineering

      To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: Exploring British identity - who are the British?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...