What has shaped the identity of the UK?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the UK's identity changed over time and how national identities affect the UK today.
Key learning points
- Immigration and key historical events have significantly influenced the development of UK identity.
- Census data reveals a change towards greater religious and ethnic diversity, reflecting a more multicultural society.
- Political events such as Brexit have altered how individuals perceive their national identity.
- Devolution has enabled nations to govern independently on certain issues, reinforcing distinct national identities.
- 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 from 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.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to link historical events to modern-day society and to see identity as complex, multi-layered and ever-changing.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The UK Parliament has ultimate legal authority due to parliamentary ...
Q2.Which level of government is responsible for managing local transport systems?
Q3.Match the statement to the level of government.
passes laws for the UK
control education in Wales
maintain parks and libraries
Q4.Which of these actions shows influence rather than power?
Q5.Which statement is true about the UK?
Q6.PETA is an example of a group that campaigns to protect the ethical treatment of animals.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the word with its definition.
the qualities of a person or group that make them different to others
the transfer of some powers from the Government to the other nations
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.
Q3.Order these events chronologically, starting with the earliest.
Q4.What does recent census data tell us about the identity of UK society?
Q5.Which of the following statements about the referendum on Britain's decision to leave the UK are true?
Q6.Asylum seekers do not have the same legal rights to work or claim as UK citizens.
To help you plan your 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...
To help you plan your 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.
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 Practising what we have learnt unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.