Teachers' guide

MP For A Week supports the following areas of the UK curriculum, and other areas where political literacy is a key learning objective.

England

Key concepts

1.1d
Understanding and exploring the roles of citizens and Parliament in holding government and those in power to account
1.2c
Investigating ways in which rights can compete and conflict, and understanding that hard decisions have to be made to try to balance these

Key processes

2.1a
Engage with and reflect on different ideas, opinions, beliefs and values when exploring topical and controversial issues and problems
Range and content
3c
Key features of parliamentary democracy and government in the constituent parts of the UK and at local level, including voting and elections
3e
Actions that individuals, groups and organisations can take to influence decisions affecting communities and the environment

Key concepts - Democracy and active participation

Investigate the basic characteristics of democracy
Investigate various ways to participate in school and society
Investigate why rules and laws are needed, how they are enforced and how breaches of the law affect the community
Investigate an issue from a range of viewpoints and suggest action that might be taken to improve or resolve the situation

Learning outcomes

Show deeper understanding by thinking critically and flexibly, exploring problems and making informed decisions
Demonstrate self management by working systematically, persisting with tasks, evaluating and improving own performance

Thinking skills and personal capabilities

Skills - developing thinking and communication, working with others

Identify and assess bias and reliability, eg, evaluate messages from the media
Consider others’ views to inform opinions and make informed decisions and choices effectively
Express opinions clearly and justify a personal standpoint*
Take part in debates and vote on issues*
Work both independently and cooperatively

*when used to facilitate classroom discussion

Range - active citizenship, sustainable development and global citizenship

Principles of democracy in Wales, the UK and the EU
How representatives are elected and understand their roles
How young people can have their views listened to and influence decision-making
Topical local and global issues
How conflict can arise from different views about global issues and be aware of the role of pressure groups.

Conflict and decision making in society

Developing an understanding of conflict and decision-making processes including the influence of the media
Level C
Describe ways people can participate in the decision-making process in various contexts - in school, work, community identify the main features of an election at local and national level, e.g. voters, campaigning, candidates, ballot box, etc.
Level D
Describe simply how representatives are chosen and the types of work they do, e.g. local councillors, members of Scottish, British and European Parliaments describe the ways in which the media can affect personal decision making
Level E
Identify the ways that citizens can participate in decision making through elections and pressure groups at local, national and international level; give examples of the ways in which local and national government make decisions that affect people's lives
Level F
Explain the ways in which campaigns, media and pressure group activities influence public opinion; [describe some of the main policies of political parties; describe ways of resolving selected national and international disputes]

People in society, economy and business

I can evaluate the role of the media in a democracy, assess its importance in informing and influencing citizens, and explain decisions made by those in power (SOC 4-17b)
I understand the arrangements for political decision making at different levels and the factors which shape these arrangements (SOC 3-18a)
I can evaluate the impact which decision making bodies have on the lives of people in Scotland or elsewhere (SOC 4-18a)
I can debate the reasons why some people participate less than others in the electoral process and can express informed views about the importance of participating in a democracy (SOC 4-18b)