This pack has been developed and designed by the First News editorial and education teams, as a useful way to frame discussions in classrooms that may arise in connection with the 2024 General Election.

While schools – like First News – must of course remain impartial at all times on political matters, the Government’s own guidance states that, “Teaching about political issues, the different views people have, and the ways pupils can engage in our democratic society is an essential part of a broad and balanced curriculum. It is an important way in which schools support pupils to become active citizens who can form their own views, whilst having an understanding and respect for legitimate differences of opinion.” (DfE, February 2022).

To that end, these resources include a mix of simple facts about the way democracy works in the UK, along with discussion points and activities that will help teachers to encourage children to think for themselves about some of the issues that are being discussed on the wider political stage at the moment – and, perhaps, identify others that are not, but that they think should be. The assembly and classroom activities are suitable for children in KS2 and 3, and can be pitched at a level appropriate for the children involved.

What’s included:

• Assembly PowerPoint slides and teacher script

• Additional resource (AR) 1: Shall we vote on it? (Instructions and sorting cards)

• Additional resource (AR) 2: What matters to me (Instructions; ‘things that matter to me’ poster; ‘things that matter to me’ planning sheet; themed writing paper)

• Additional resource (AR) 3: Children’s Party manifesto poster

Find out more about our educational resources at First News here.