Active Citizenship Resources
The CES has produced a collection of resources for schools and teachers to use on the theme of Active Citizenship.
These include:
- Lesson resources on the political process
- Lesson resources on the Church and politics
- Theological resources on what the Church says about 'active citizens'
- Saints and prayer cards
- Useful links
General Elections
How MPs are elected - PowerPoint
Debating in the classroom activities
How to become involved - PowerPoint
Active Citizenship
Several organisations and campaigns were set up for the last General Election (2019) to encourage voters to question their candidates about issues which are important to them, to become more informed about the election and party manifestos, and ultimately, to vote. These resources as set out below have a mixture of practical information and might also be used as we search for guidance on how we might vote.
Bishop Marcus Stock: Why Catholic Schools matter at this General Election
CAFOD/ CSAN General Election 2019 pack
Theological resources on what the Church says about 'active citizens
Below are theological articles for reflection and two Catholic Social Teaching encyclicals.
We are all responsible for all. What does this really mean?
Saints & Prayer Cards
Prayer for the Dedication of Studies 1
Prayer for the Dedication of Studies 2
Other useful links
Run by young people, the UK Youth Parliament provides opportunities for 11-18 year-olds to use their voice in creative ways to bring about social change.
Run by young people in Wales, 60 young people aged 11 - 18 are elected Welsh Youth Parliament Members for a two-year term to highlight and debate youth issues at a national level.
The UK Parliament website's learning and education pages contain a lot of resources for schools. Below are a few links to their election resources:
Explores the function and makeup of the three parts that make up Parliament: the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the monarch.
Investigates how Government is held to account through Prime Minister and Minister's questions and select committees.
Explains the stages a proposal for a new law goes through to become an Act of Parliament.
Examines the UK general election exploring: our right to vote, how candidates and parties gain votes and what happens once elected.
Looks at the alternative options available outside of voting to get your voice heard, covering how to contact MPs and Peers or petition and campaign on issues.