What has the UK economy got to do with me? (Unit of work)
Key stage 4 • Finance and economy • Units of work
What has the UK economy got to do with me?
About this unit
This unit of work, What has the UK economy got to do with me?, introduces students to the fundamental role of taxation and government spending in shaping the UK economy. Through a series of lessons, students explore different types of taxes, the government’s budget, and the rationale behind public spending decisions, including local government finance and Council Tax.
They develop financial literacy by learning about payslips, Income Tax, and National Insurance contributions, as well as the implications of tax evasion and avoidance. The unit also covers the concepts of credit and debt, both on an individual and national level, helping students understand personal finance and the government’s financial strategies. Finally, students reflect on what constitutes a healthy economy and discuss how they, as citizens, can contribute to the UK’s economic future. Through case studies, debates, and practical activities, students gain a comprehensive understanding of taxation, public finance, and economic responsibility.
National curriculum links
Income and expenditure; credit and debt; insurance; savings and pensions; financial products and services; how public money is raised and spent.
Citizenship skills
Making judgements, evaluation, analysis, debate, discussion, communication, advocacy, oracy, critical thinking, problem solving, use of evidence, informed choices, political literacy.
Citizenship concepts
Law, fairness, ethics, rights and responsibilities, economy, political ideology, budgeting, money management, society.
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 11 scheme of work include:
Year 7: How can we be informed consumers?
Year 8: Why is the local economy important to society?
Year 9: Fraud is the biggest crime in society – what can we do about it?
This unit of work forms part of our model core curriculum which is exclusively available to School and College Members.
- Lesson 1: Where does the government’s money come from?
- Lesson 2: How does the government decide how to spend money?
- Lesson 3: How much of our pay goes to the government?
- Lesson 4: Why should we pay tax?
- Lesson 5: How do individuals and countries use credit and debt?
- Lesson 6: What role can I play in the future of the UK economy?
