New
New
Year 11

What has shaped the identity of the UK?

I can explain how the UK's identity changed over time and how national identities affect the UK today.

New
New
Year 11

What has shaped the identity of the UK?

I can explain how the UK's identity changed over time and how national identities affect the UK today.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Immigration and key historical events have significantly influenced the development of UK identity.
  2. Census data reveals a change towards greater religious and ethnic diversity, reflecting a more multicultural society.
  3. Political events such as Brexit have altered how individuals perceive their national identity.
  4. Devolution has enabled nations to govern independently on certain issues, reinforcing distinct national identities.
  5. These evolving identities affect public policy, political engagement and debates over the future structure of the UK.

Keywords

  • Identity - who a person is, or the qualities of a person or group that make them different than others

  • Devolution - the transfer of some powers from the Government to the Welsh Parliament (the Senedd), the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Scottish Parliament

  • Diversity - where a society or group is made up of many different people from different countries, races and religions, and have different interests, skills and beliefs

Common misconception

Most people in the UK identify only as British.

The UK is a multicultural society and many people identify as more than one nationality.


To help you plan your year 11 citizenship lesson on: What has shaped the identity of the UK?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to link historical events to modern-day society and to see identity as complex, multi-layered and ever-changing.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

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.
The UK Parliament has ultimate legal authority due to parliamentary ...
Correct Answer: sovereignty
Q2.
Which level of government is responsible for managing local transport systems?
UK Parliament
devolved governments
Correct answer: local government
the judiciary
Q3.
Match the statement to the level of government.
Correct Answer:UK Parliament,passes laws for the UK

passes laws for the UK

Correct Answer:devolved governments,control education in Wales

control education in Wales

Correct Answer:local governments,maintain parks and libraries

maintain parks and libraries

Q4.
Which of these actions shows influence rather than power?
passing a law
arresting someone
Correct answer: running a campaign
setting tax rates
Q5.
Which statement is true about the UK?
Correct answer: Parliament is the only law-making body.
The Prime Minister holds all the power.
The media has no influence in the country.
Only elected officials have decision-making roles.
Q6.
PETA is an example of a group that campaigns to protect the ethical treatment of animals.
Correct Answer: pressure

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the word with its definition.
Correct Answer:identity,the qualities of a person or group that make them different to others

the qualities of a person or group that make them different to others

Correct Answer:devolution,the transfer of some powers from the Government to the other nations

the transfer of some powers from the Government to the other nations

Correct Answer:diversity,where a society or group is made up of many different groups of people

where a society or group is made up of many different groups of people

Q2.
The Windrush are an example of how immigration has contributed to UK society.
Correct Answer: generation
Q3.
Order these events chronologically, starting with the earliest.
1 - the Windrush generation first arrived
2 - Independence Referendum in Scotland
3 - Brexit Referendum
4 - the most recent census
Q4.
What does recent census data tell us about the identity of UK society?
most people live in rural areas
religious and ethnic diversity is decreasing
Correct answer: there is more diversity across the country
the population is getting younger
Q5.
Which of the following statements about the referendum on Britain's decision to leave the UK are true?
the majority of voters in Scotland voted in favour of Britain leaving the EU
Correct answer: the majority of voters in England voted in favour of Britain leaving the EU
Correct answer: the majority of voters in Wales voted in favour of Britain leaving the EU
Q6.
Asylum seekers do not have the same legal rights to work or claim as UK citizens.
Correct Answer: benefits