What is the UK's role in the Commonwealth?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain what the Commonwealth is and how the UK plays a part in this international organisation.
Key learning points
- The decline of the British Empire led to the creation of the modern Commonwealth.
- The Commonwealth is not the same as an empire. It is a voluntary association.
- The UK has played a leadership role in the Commonwealth since it was created.
- The UK plays a key role in the Commonwealth but also faces challenges linked to its colonial past.
Keywords
Commonwealth - a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries, many of which were formerly colonised as part of the British Empire
Empire - a collection of territories, countries or nations governed by a single power, often through political, economic or military control
Voluntary association - a group who have a shared interest or aims who voluntarily come together to pursue common goals
Common misconception
The Commonwealth is just the British Empire with another name.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association where countries choose to work together toward shared goals. Unlike the British Empire, which often involved control over other nations, Commonwealth members join freely and are treated as equals.
Teacher tip
Remind pupils that the Commonwealth is not led by the UK and emphasises equality among Member States.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How many organs does the UN have?
Q2.Who is the symbolic Head of the Commonwealth of nations?
Q3.Which of these countries is a Commonwealth nation?
Q4.The UN created a set of goals in 2015 called the ...
Q5.What year was the UN founded?
Q6.Match the part of the UN to its description.
part of the UN responsible for international peace and security
the main UN meeting where all members vote on global issues
there are five of them, have the power to veto UN actions & decisions
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which monarch began the process of creating the British Empire?
Q2.Which of the following was not a part of the British Empire?
Q3.Match the word to its description.
territories ruled by one power via politics, force or economy
56 equal nations, many once under British colonial rule
a group united by shared goals and common interests
Q4.Which document states the aims and rules of membership for the Commonwealth?
Q5.Some countries believe the UK needs to repay countries for their part in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. What are these repayments called?
Q6.Which of the following best describes the difference between the Commonwealth and the British Empire?
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What is the UK's role in the Commonwealth?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 citizenship lesson on: What is the UK's role in the Commonwealth?, 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 does the UK play a role in the international community? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.