The Parallel Elections Project

The General Election 2024 presents a unique opportunity to engage students in the democratic process and foster their active participation.

ACT’s Parallel Elections Project is a comprehensive programme expertly designed by teachers for teachers to foster student engagement and understanding of the democratic process. Parallel Elections mirror the real election and provide students with an authentic and practical experience of how democratic elections work in the UK.

The Parallel Elections Pack will equip Citizenship teachers with the necessary resources and training to guide students through a parallel election, from voter registration to campaign development and results analysis.

Resources will be released on a weekly basis and users will be notified when new materials become available. This allows teachers to be flexible with their planning and ensures the materials are as up to date and reflective of the current situation in the election as possible. 

Get set for the General Election: Download the Project Materials

Pre-Election Resources

Ten 30-minute pre-election sessions designed for non-specialist educators. These sessions adhere to both SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) and British Values requirements, making them seamlessly integrable into existing school curriculums.

Manifestos and party political broadcasts

During ACT’s Parallel Elections Project pupils are encouraged to review and assess how political parties engage with the electorate. Below are links to 5 of the main political parties (in England) manifestos and party political broadcasts.

Week 1 materials – out now!

During this introductory week, pupils develop their knowledge in Lesson 1 of what an election is. Developing their understanding of what is happening in their local communities as well as nationally. Additionally, pupils will begin to plan how the election will run in their school. 

Week 2 materials – out now!

Week 2 focuses on getting to grips with what is being discussed. Pupils will examine what the main parties say about key issues and how political parties use campaigns to communicate with the electorate. Additionally, pupils running parallel elections will continue to work in teams, encourage the electorate (pupils) to register to vote and get informed about what each party is saying they will do if they win the election. 

Week 3 materials – out now!

This week the Parallel Elections Project focuses on the media’s role in elections, helping to develop pupils media and information literacy skills. In a video available on the resource download page, Professor Sir John Curtice provides an introduction on the history and role of the media in elections, which can support the week 3 resources.

Week 4 materials – out now!

As the election draws closer, we focus on hustings and polling, exploring how these can influence voters and shape elections. Pupils will have the opportunity to explore the world of political opinion polls and investigate how they can influence campaigning and any undecided voters.

Week 5 materials – out now!

Four weeks of build-up are then followed by election day! This week marks a culmination of learning and planning for your pupils. Where they’ll have the opportunity to exercise their right to express their informed views on who they think should govern the UK.

Week 6 materials – out now!

Now that the election excitement has died down, it’s time to reflect on what we’ve learned about politics and elections. We can also review the skills and knowledge developed during these lessons.

How is the parallel election project structured?

The ACT parallel election project is structured over four weeks:

• Week 1: Parallel election launch. Pupils explore the importance of general elections and learn what a parallel election is.
• Week 2: Getting to grips with real-life issues and political party manifestos.
• Week 3: Delving into election broadcasts and thinking about the role of the media.
• Week 4: Time for hustings, debates and poll predicting!
• Week 5: Four weeks of build-up are then followed by election day!
• Week 6: The results are in- now what?