What is Parliament Week?
Parliament Week is a national initiative that aims to help people engage with parliamentary democracy here in the UK. It will run from 15 to 21 November 2013.
Parliament Week will highlight the work and history of the UK Parliament, how it is relevant to UK citizens and how you can get involved in the democratic process.
Projects and Resources for schools
Create the Debate
Debating resources for KS3-5 that can be used across the curriculum. They're great for Parliament Week as well as throughout the rest of the year.
The Create the Debate pack has been produced by Parliament’s Education Service with help from the UK Youth Parliament and BBC Three’s Free Speech.
Primary Debating Resources
New for 2013 and ideal for use during Parliament Week or across the year, these four lesson plans introduce Key Stage 2 children to key democratic concepts:
• Fairness - explores how we decide what is fair and how to compromise
• Changing things and getting your message across
• Making decisions together – a role play based around a school council meeting
• Formal debating – running a House of Commons style debate in the classroom
The resources are packed with practical and accessible ideas to create engaging and lively opportunities for developing debating skills.
Links to Citizenship, English and PSHE curricula.
Lights, Camera, Parliament!
Now open to primary as well as secondary schools, make a film on the subject 'If I could make one law....' and enter it in to our Lights, Camera, Parliament competition.
Houses of History video and timeline
This playful, animated video offers an introduction to the Houses of History interactive timeline. With citizenship and history learning at its heart, Houses of History provides a stimulating and engaging account of the story of the UK Parliament.
Parliament explained
So what goes on in the Westminster Parliament? We don't think it should be a mystery. Written in plain English, these articles and animations give the homework-busting basics for understanding Parliament.
MP For A Week
What is it like to be a Member of Parliament? Your students can find out by stepping into the shoes of an MP in this fun, educational game. They will learn to balance the needs of their party, local constituency, and the media ... but can they keep everyone happy enough to survive the week?
Events for young people
UK Youth Parliament debates at Westminster
Members of the UK Youth Parliament are holding a day of debates on 23 November in the House of Commons chamber. They will discuss issues chosen by young people from all over the country.
Other events will be taking place nationwide to celebrate Parliament week. Find out about events near your school by visiting the Parliament Week website.
Find out more
Find out more about Parliament Week and what we have on offer for schools on the Parliament Week website