Year 9 - Citizenship
How can we contribute to school decision-making?
How can young people play an active role in democracy?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
Pupils consider what role they can play in their communities from school to local and national democracy.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why pupil voice matters and how we can influence decision-makers.
Key Notes
- Article 12 of the UNCRC grants children the right to express their views on matters affecting them.
- Pupil voice contributes to enhanced school climate, behaviour and wellbeing.
- Decision-makers include individuals or bodies with authority to implement change in education settings.
- Influencing change involves identifying a need, gathering evidence, cause and effect, planning and taking action.
- An active citizen engages constructively in school and community decision-making processes.
Vocabulary To Learn
- pupil voice: the views, opinions and ideas of pupils about their school experience, which are listened to and considered in decision-making
- decision-makers: people or groups who have the authority to make lasting change in communities
- active citizens: a person who actively takes responsibility, becomes involved in areas of public concern and tries to make a positive difference in their community
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Young people cannot make a difference because adults are the decision-makers.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Article 12 of the UNCRC grants children the right to express their views on matters affecting them. Pupil voice contributes to enhanced school climate, behaviour and wellbeing.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'pupil voice'
the views, opinions and ideas of pupils about their school experience, which are listened to and considered in decision-making.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Young people cannot make a difference because adults are the decision-makers. Correction: Young people can make a difference. Article 12 of the UNCRC says children have the right to be heard in decisions that affect them. For example, Martha Payne was only nine years old when she helped change school meals by sharing her views.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 9 Citizenship guide library.