New
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Lesson 5 of 4
  • Year 9

Diversity and the law in modern Britain

I can explain diversity in Britain, legal protections, and the difference between acceptable and unacceptable protest.

Lesson 5 of 4
New
New
  • Year 9

Diversity and the law in modern Britain

I can explain diversity in Britain, legal protections, and the difference between acceptable and unacceptable protest.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Britain is diverse, with people of different ethnicities, sexualities, faiths and types of family in our communities.
  2. The law protects relationships and identities, giving rights and preventing discrimination.
  3. Protests are allowed, but they must be lawful, peaceful and respectful of others’ rights.

Keywords

  • Diversity - involving people from a range of different backgrounds

Common misconception

People in Britain can protest in any way they choose.

In Britain, the right to protest is protected, but protests must be lawful, peaceful and must not incite hatred or violence.


To help you plan your year 9 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Diversity and the law in modern Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Frame discussions positively, using inclusive language and ground rules.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

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.
In 2013, England and Wales introduced the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act. This is often called ...

Correct Answer: marriage equality

Q2.
Which of these are examples of a peaceful protest?

Correct answer: signing a petition
damaging property
threatening people
Correct answer: writing to your Member of Parliament (MP)

Q3.
Which of these family types exist in modern Britain?

only families with a mother and father
only families with same-sex parents
Correct answer: many different types, including blended and single-parent families
only families with married parents

Q4.
Before same-sex marriage became legal, what was introduced in 2004 to give same-sex couples some legal recognition?

domestic partnerships
Correct answer: civil partnerships
legal unions
registered relationships

Q5.
Which term means when people are treated unfairly or differently because of things like their race, gender or beliefs?

Correct Answer: discrimination

Q6.
Match each example to the type of diversity it represents.

Correct Answer:speaking Polish at home,linguistic diversity

linguistic diversity

Correct Answer:having two mums,family diversity

family diversity

Correct Answer:celebrating Diwali,religious diversity

religious diversity

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What does diversity mean in modern Britain?

everyone being the same
Correct answer: having people from many different backgrounds
living in separate communities

Q2.
Which law protects people from unfair treatment because of who they are?

the Voting Act
Correct answer: the Equality Act
the Marriage Act
the Education Act

Q3.
Match each action to whether it would make a protest acceptable or unacceptable.

Correct Answer:writing to your MP,acceptable - expresses views to representatives

acceptable - expresses views to representatives

Correct Answer:using hate speech,unacceptable - illegal and harmful

unacceptable - illegal and harmful

Correct Answer:peaceful march,acceptable - lawful public demonstration

acceptable - lawful public demonstration

Q4.
Why are laws about rights and equality important?

Correct answer: they help everyone feel safe and valued
they stop people from sharing opinions
they make any kind of protest illegal

Q5.
Match the word to what it means.

Correct Answer:diversity,involving people from a range of different backgrounds

involving people from a range of different backgrounds

Correct Answer:equality,the state of being equal, especially in status, rights & opportunities

the state of being equal, especially in status, rights & opportunities

Correct Answer:protest,speaking out peacefully to show disagreement

speaking out peacefully to show disagreement

Q6.
Laws about equality and protest exist to help keep society and respectful for everyone.

Correct Answer: fair, kind