Should first-past-the-post be scrapped? Lesson 1 of 6
Key stage 4 • Politics, Parliament and Government • Model curriculum
Should first-past-the-post be scrapped?
This lesson is part 1 of a sequence of 6 lessons addressing the key enquiry: How can we become the future political leaders?
This first lesson focuses on exploring different voting systems and evaluating their fairness. Students begin by creating a mind map to assess prior knowledge about voting, which is followed by a teacher-led introduction to democracy and voting systems. Through guided discussions and a differentiated worksheet, students analyse various voting methods, including FPTP, and deepen their understanding through Q&A and group feedback.
The lesson concludes with a structured debate on whether FPTP should be replaced, encouraging students to present arguments, rebut counterpoints, and engage critically with the topic. A simulated referendum and takeaway task—researching arguments for and against lowering the voting age—allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Multiple assessment opportunities, such as debates, written tasks, and discussions, help track student progress and engagement throughout.
Students will work towards answering the following questions:
- What voting systems can be used in elections?
- Should first past the post be scrapped?