Political literacy

These resources were developed during 2020 by ACT to support the teaching of media literacy through citizenship.

1: Teaching Media Literacy - Covid-19

Put together by experienced secondary citizenship teachers, this first learning activity is designed for use with pupils in key stages 3 and 4. Pupils are introduced to basic media literacy concepts and terms and encouraged to develop their knowledge, source analysis and critical thinking in relation to the different types of information they encounter.

Teacher members of ACT have been developing lessons and activities to support teaching about the election, voting and democracy. 

Our thanks to Helen Blachford, Zoe, Baker and Ryan Mason for sharing their ideas.

Elections provide a key moment for teaching about the political system, voting and democracy. This resource on Parallel elections has been developed to help teachers plan and undertake a parallel election with their pupils.

The 'Having a Say' Citizenship resources have been developed by ACT with support from the Historical Association, the Cabinet Office and the Government Equalities Office. They form part of a wider set of history and Citizenship resources to celebrate 100 years of votes for women.

Youthquake: Young People and the Future of Democracy
National Teacher Conference for Citizenship, SMSC, British Values, Politics
Saturday 7 July 2018, City Hall, London

Teaching Democracy - using debate is an ACT teaching resource that has been designed to develop knowledge and understanding of the concept of democracy. 

'Let's get elected' is a set of teaching activities and resources for students to help develop knowledge and understanding of local democracy and elections using the context of electing the Mayor of London. Pupils explore the process of electoral campaigning to be a city mayor by working in teams to put together an election campaign.

The lesson was designed for use with year 7 and can be adapted for other age groups and election contexts.

This teaching resource was orginally developed by teachers at Blackfen Girls School and has been updated by ACT.

The ACT Topic Guide on The Electoral System and Political Parties includes an overview of key concepts to address together with practical teaching suggestions and links to resources from Parliament Education Service, the Hansard Society, Bite the Ballot and the English Speaking Union.