Core Skills Analysis
Civics and Government
- Understood the structure and role of Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in UK parliamentary democracy.
- Observed how elected officials question the Prime Minister, gaining insight into government accountability.
- Recognised the importance of debating policies and testing government decisions in a formal setting.
- Noted various communication styles and rhetorical techniques used by politicians during PMQs.
Critical Thinking and Media Literacy
- Developed skills in analysing political discourse and identifying key arguments.
- Practiced listening attentively to complex information delivered in real time.
- Gained awareness of how media presents political events and the importance of questioning bias.
- Observed the dynamics of verbal exchanges and how evidence or persuasion is used effectively.
Tips
To deepen the student's understanding of government processes, encourage them to track a particular PMQ session focusing on a key topic or policy. Have the student summarise the main points raised by both the Prime Minister and opposing MPs. Incorporate discussions on the historical context of PMQs and their evolution as a political tool. Role-playing activities simulating a parliamentary session can help develop empathy and speaking skills, while encouraging them to research current affairs to stay informed and contextualise debates they watch.
Book Recommendations
- What is the UK Parliament? by Clare Hibbert: A clear and engaging introduction to the UK Parliament geared for young teens, explaining its structure and functions including PMQs.
- A Kid's Guide to Politics: How Government Works and How You Can Take Part by Clara Inés Schuhmacher: This book breaks down politics and civic engagement into accessible language and examples relevant for young readers.
- How Parliament Works by Meg Russell: An informative guide providing insight into the UK Parliament's workings, useful for teens wanting deeper knowledge about political processes.
Learning Standards
- PSHE - Understanding democracy and government processes (Key Stage 3 Citizenship: 3.1.1 and 3.1.2)
- English - Developing attentive listening and critical speaking skills (English Curriculum KS3: Spoken language)
- History - Understanding contemporary UK political history and institutions (History KS3: The development of Parliament)
Try This Next
- Create a worksheet where the student lists questions asked during a PMQ session and categorises them by topic and political stance.
- Writing prompt: Have the student write a letter to their local MP about an issue raised during PMQs that interests them, explaining their viewpoint.