Key Stage 2 Rights, Rules & Responsibilities
Return to Key Stage 2 Framework
Lesson Plan
Teacher Notes
What laws affect my life?
Background Notes
Rules are essential in order for people to live together as they ensure everyone is treated fairly and in the same way.
A set of rules can tell us two things:
1) what we must or are allowed to do, eg - you must wear school uniform
2) what we are not allowed to do, eg - you must not throw stones
By having a set of rules it will mean that everyone has to follow the rules and know what they can and cannot do.
This Country has a set of rules, some of which set standards for our personal behaviour. Rules such as these are called 'law'.
Whether you have to wear a uniform is up to the school; it may be one of their rules but it isn't the law. Whereas it is the law that you must to stay in full-time education until you are sixteen which ensures that all children get a fair and equal chance of receiving an education.
Suggested Teaching Activity
Class Discussion
The Department for Transport website contains a teaching section (www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/informationforparentsteacher6173) showing how our lives could be affected if there were no rules when we were using the road. Use this to look at how the law makes us safe (wearing seat belts, stopping at red lights, etc) to show how and why such laws are so important.
Return to top
�
How would I feel if someone damaged my property
Background Notes
Although most of society takes notice of the law there are some people who think that they can break the law whenever they feel like it. When you break the law, you could face a punishment - which could be a fine or even imprisonment.
If you break the law, not only do you face punishment, you also affect other people's lives. How would you feel if someone stole your bike or smashed your playstation?
We all have a choice about the way we behave and your choice of behaviour has a direct impact on others. You have a right for you and your property to be safe but you also have a responsibility to play or behave in a way that respects the right of others to feel safe too.
�
Return to top
�
Who is responsible for making the law?
Background Information
All societies have to make policy choices, confront problems, resolve conflicts, handle disagreements, decide who gets what and how. Someone has to make decisions in order that the Country can function properly and this is why politics and politicians are important.
The governance of a modern society is a huge task and at the heart of the British political process is the Government of the day (headed by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet).
The Government itself is responsible to Parliament.
Parliament
The Parliament of the UK actually consists of :
- The Queen
- The House of Lords
- The House of Commons
They all work together to carry out the work of Parliament. The site of the Houses of Parliament is the Palace of Westminster (www.parliament.uk/parliament/guide/palace.htm)
Suggested Teaching Activity
Project Work
The Parliamentry Education Unit have produced 'The Palace of Westminster: A Guide for Young People' which is aimed at 8-12 year old pupils and is suitable for project/topic work.
(www.explore.parliament.uk/cms/DocumentUploads/palaceofwestminster.pdf)
Games and Activities
The Parliamentary website (www.explore.parliament.uk/) has a special section especially designed for younger students which includes games, activities and information.
Class Visit
The Parliamentary Education Unit offers a range of educational visits for students years 3 � 10 throughout the year. Details are available from the UK Parliamentary website.
(www.parliament.uk/directories/hcio/tours.cfm#Schools)
Video and Worksheets
'You've got the Power' (www.explore.parliament.uk/Parliament.aspx?id=363#PEB) is an animated DVD split into modules, which explains the role and work of Parliament. Available at both primary and secondary level, each pack contains a DVD and supporting teachers' notes which include lesson plans and worksheets.
Return to top
�
Why is voting important in my life?
Background Information
Being allowed to vote in decision-making is very important as it gives you the chance to have your say.
Fair and free elections are an essential part of a democracy, allowing the majority of citizens to determine how they would like to country to be run.
Elections enable the electorate to participate in choosing the government and help to make the government accountable to the people.
Connect to further teaching information on elections on the UK Parliament website.
(www.parliament.uk/works/elections.cfm)
Suggested Teaching Activity
Class Participation
Junior Election has been developed by the Parliamentary Education Unit. It is an activity designed to help pupils understand the electoral process by participating in an election.
(www.explore.parliament.uk/parliament.aspx?id=251)
The election involves three fictitious parties with policies that are intended to appeal to children. A set of resources has been developed to provide schools with a complete 'election kit'.
Return to top