Resource

What is a Citizen?

Overview

In this lesson pupils will be encouraged to think of themselves as citizens with the potential to make a positive difference in society.

The lesson opens with the traditional tale of ‘Stone Soup’ which draws out themes of citizenship through illustrating how societies thrive when everyone contributes. Pupils consider what is meant by the terms citizen and citizenship. Pupils examine a child’s diary entry and reflect how in an ordinary day the actions of this young person have positively impacted on their family, friends, school and the wider world.

Finally pupils interview one another to discover how active they are as a citizen and reflect on opportunities for them to participate more in society.

To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

More Lessons resources

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS5 (ages 16-18)

An Introduction to Human Rights

In this lesson students will explore our rights and responsibilities and how they are protected in law. They are challenged to consider if there are circumstances when human rights could…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS3 (ages 11-14)

Youth Justice (SmartLaw Subscription)

During this lesson, students will explore the process a young person goes through when they commit, or are suspected of committing a crime. They will also examine different types of…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS4 (ages 14-16)

The Big Legal Lesson 2026 (ages 11-18+)

Join the UK’s biggest legal education campaign during February 2026. To access this content, register for our Secondary School Subscription.

More Community resources

Lessons, Health and Wellbeing, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Who Keeps us Healthy?

In this lesson pupils consider what being healthy means and who plays a role in keeping the population healthy. The coronavirus pandemic is given as an example of populations taking…

Classroom Toolkits, Politics and Democracy, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Controversial issues: guidance for schools

Children are alert to information and images they see in the media. These may graphically influence their view of the world, and not always positively. Graphic images on TV and…

Class Posters, Community, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Stand up for Others (poster)

We are always willing to help others and to speak up for people who struggle to make their voices heard. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

More Relationships resources

Class Posters, Relationships, KS1 (ages 5-7)

We Think Before We Act (poster)

We think about how our actions and words might affect other people, communities and the environment. To access this content, register for our Primary School Subscription.

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

The Two Brothers

In this lesson pupils will read a tale adapted from Egyptian legend which tells of the love and care which two brothers showed for each other. In discussion, pupils will…

Lessons, Diversity and Inclusion, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Looking Out For Others

In this lesson pupils will think about kind and unkind behaviour. They will consider how they can help and support each other in order to create a happy class community.…

More Social Action/Active Citizenship resources

Lessons, Digital Citizenship, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Using Technology for Good

In this lesson pupils will consider the multiple uses of technology and how technology can be used to solve problems. Pupils will be introduced to the example of Trevor Baylis,…

Certificates, Social Action/Active Citizenship, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Making a Difference (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Make a Difference in our Communities. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The…

Assemblies, Diversity and Inclusion, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Representation

Pupils consider the importance of equal representation through learning from the example of Marley Dias and her campaign for better representation of black girls in literature. To access this content,…

More KS2 (ages 7-11) resources

Certificates, KS1 (ages 5-7)

Treating People Fairly (certificate)

Our pupil certificates are linked to 12 ethos statements, such as We Treat Everyone Fairly. Each statement supports character development and the acquisition of key citizenship skills The values, skills and…

Lessons, Politics and Democracy, KS2 (ages 7-11)

Democracy (Part 3): Why Do We Have Laws?

This lesson forms the final part of a three-part unit on democracy.  Pupils learn about democracy and the rule of law. They discover the different roles of parliament, government and…

Lessons, Understanding Rules & The Law, KS2 (ages 7-11)

What Happens When Laws are Broken?

During this lesson pupils explore what happens when laws are broken, learn about the different types of sentences that are given and the main purposes of sentencing. Before taking part…