Standards Site

 
 
Schemes of Work
QCA

Citizenship at key stage 3    (Year 7-9)

Unit 07: Local democracy
Section 3: How can we influence change?

QCA

Objectives

Children should learn:
  • that different sectors of the local community may have different opinions on an issue, and that conflict can arise between people with competing interests
  • that a number of local government departments are involved in planning/approving new developments/policies
  • to communicate with a range of people
  • to listen to and empathise with other people's views
  • how to present reports and recommendations to a range of audiences

Activities

Outcomes

Children:
  • Ask pupils to consider the different groups (including relevant community-based and voluntary organisations) they will need to consult/influence in order to get any suggested changes implemented. They may be able to make use of existing consultation procedures. Which methods would work best with which groups, eg a public meeting, a petition, a public display, a public performance website, use of the media (TV, newspapers, radio)? How will the change happen, eg through actions of individuals such as the purchase and sale of fair trade goods in local shops?
  • Pupils could then review and implement their chosen strategy, eg organise a public meeting to discuss the issue they have investigated. They could decide how the meeting will be run, who will take on which roles, eg chair, presenter, reporters, and who from the local council and community will be invited. They should then agree the objectives, agenda, venue, format and timings for the meeting.
  • After discussion of the findings, the meeting should close with agreements, resolutions and/or next steps.
  • Following the meeting, pupils could debrief and review how the meeting went, what they gained from the experience and what they might do differently next time. They should discuss and decide - democratically - whether further action is necessary, and what form this might take.
  • recognise differences of opinion about a proposed new development
  • review and analyse their findings and present them to a range of audiences, suggesting solutions or next steps
  • understand that councils have different departments that work together to enable development projects to go ahead

Points to note


Sections in this unit

<< previous section  
This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. What do I think about my local community?
2. What is my community concerned about?
3. How can we influence change?