Community volunteers or social media influencers – who has the most power and influence? (Complete scheme of work)

Community volunteers or social media influencers – who has the most power and influence?

About this scheme of work

This scheme of work is aimed at Year 9 students and would be particularly suitable for students considering GCSE Citizenship. Throughout, there is a strong emphasis on developing Citizenship skills and the power of active citizenship.

Students investigate the meaning of ‘power’ and ‘influence’ in the context of a community, investigating how public institutions and voluntary groups bring about change. Through a series of case studies, they explore the potential of social media influencers and volunteers to influence communities. To show advocacy for people who are influential in their own community, they organise and create materials for a class exhibition, highlighting the work of individuals and encouraging community engagement. Finally, they take part in a deliberative debate and make a pledge to act as advocates for their community in the future.

This scheme of work forms part of our model core curriculum which is exclusively available to School and College Members.

National curriculum links
Knowledge, skills and understanding to play a full and active part in society; awareness and understanding of democracy; skills and knowledge to explore… social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments; an interest in, and commitment to, participation in volunteering as forms of responsible activity that they will take with them into adulthood; the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities

Citizenship skills
Political literacy, decision-making, analysis, media literacy, making judgements, evaluation, active participation, analysis, representing others’ views, informing others’ opinions, planning, raising awareness, collaborative working, investigation

Citizenship concepts
Change, responsibilities, community cohesion, making a difference, identity, power, legislation, ethics, media, respect, fairness, diversity, justice

Building progression
This scheme of work is part of ACT’s model core curriculum for Citizenship in secondary schools, which has been designed to develop and deepen students’ knowledge, skills and understanding throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. Other units linked to this Year 9 scheme of work include: 

Year 7: What role can I play in making our school a fairer place?

Year 8: Who has the power to bring about change in our communities?

Year 10: How can I be a changemaker in my local community?

Join as a School and College Member to access this complete collection of lesson plans, slides and support resources.