Why does our changing community identity matter? (Unit of work)
Key stage 4 • Active citizenship, making a positive difference • Units of work
Why does our changing community identity matter?
This six-lesson unit focuses on fostering an understanding of citizenship, identity, and community cohesion through critical discussions, historical case studies, and practical activities. Students explore fundamental concepts such as human rights, fairness, equality, belonging, and inclusion, using the Windrush scandal and evolving UK legislation as key examples. They analyse how laws shape society, promote respect, and address issues of discrimination, while also reflecting on the complexities and unintended consequences of policies.
Through interactive tasks like debates, creative projects, and presentations, students critically examine national and multiple identities, the impact of migration, and strategies to build cohesive communities. The unit emphasises empathy, critical thinking, and active participation, equipping students to engage thoughtfully with their communities and the broader world.
National curriculum links
Human rights and international law.
Diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding.
Citizenship skills
Critical thinking and researching, enquiry, tackling controversial issues, oracy, discussion and debate, collaboration and teamwork, problem solving and critical reflection, evaluation, media and information literacy
Citizenship concepts
Equal opportunities, fairness, identity, rights, democracy, ethics, discrimination, diversity, race, ethnicity, change, community, freedom, participation.
Building progression
This scheme of work is part of ACTʼs model core curriculum for Citizenship in secondary schools, which has been designed to develop and deepen studentsʼ knowledge, skills and understanding throughout Key Stages 3 and 4. Other units linked to this Year 10 scheme of work include:
Year 8: Who has the power to bring about change in our local communities?
Year 9: Community volunteers or social media influencers – who has most power and influence?
Year 10: What tools can we use to challenge injustice in our communities?
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.
- Lesson 1: What is our local community and how am I part of it?
- Lesson 2: How and why do people migrate to and from our communities?
- Lesson 3: How has migration affected our society?
- Lesson 4: Windrush, Refugees and Asylum Seeking – Busting the Myths
- Lesson 5: How can we maintain respect and understanding in our society?
- Lesson 6: Does being a citizen of a country make you feel like you belong?
