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How can we become future political leaders? (Unit of work)

Key stage 4 • Units of work

How can we become future political leaders?

This unit of KS4 Citizenship Teaching Resources introduces students to key political concepts, governance systems, and democracy’s role in society. Students begin by evaluating voting systems, debating electoral reform, and exploring ways to participate in politics. They compare different forms of government worldwide and analyse the UK’s political spectrum, understanding party ideologies and policy shifts.  

Students also examine the media’s influence on elections, assessing political bias and the impact of social media. A case study on the EU Referendum highlights how newspapers shape public opinion. The final lesson explores careers in politics, inspiring students to engage in leadership and activism. Throughout, they develop critical thinking, debate skills, and media literacy to become informed, active citizens.

National curriculum links
Parliamentary democracy –  the different electoral systems used in and beyond the United Kingdom – other systems and forms of government, both democratic and non-democratic, beyond the United Kingdom – the different ways in which a citizen can contribute to the improvement of their community.

Citizenship skills
Creating and sustaining reasoned arguments, and reaching sustained conclusions, understanding others’ points of view, critical thinking, oracy, discussion and debate.

Citizenship concepts
Democracy, governance, power, community

Building progression
This Unit of work is part of ACTʼs model core curriculum for Citizenship in secondary schools. Our KS4 Citizenship Teaching Resources have been designed to develop and deepen studentsʼ knowledge, skills and understanding throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. Other units linked to this Year 11 scheme of work include: 

Year 7: Who runs the United Kingdom?

Year 8: How can political decisions impact the health of our society?

Year 9: Are elections the best way to decide who runs the country?

Year 10: What are the strengths and weakness of the UK as a parliamentary democracy?

This unit of work forms part of our model core curriculum, which is exclusively available to School and College Members. Check out the full key stage 4 curriculum overview map here.