Democracy in Action is an hour-long film made for BBC Two's Learning Zone to illustrate the democratic process.
The film covers four themes - UK politics, the media, international politics and the European Union.
Access the film by clicking here.
Additional Resources
The Y Vote Mock Election site should be your first port of call for election information, lesson plans and the dedicated student area. These additional resources should also prove useful in planning and running your mock election or for teaching about parliament, democracy and current affairs at other times.
Publications
Representatives in Schools Series by the Hansard Society
Free resource packs that provide schools with the information they need to organise a student-led visit from their Elected Representative. Available in the series are: MPs in Schools, MEPs in Schools, Welsh AMs in Schools and MSPs in Schools.
Democracy Cookbook by the Electoral Commission
This comprehensive resource pack contains independent information about how politics works, what UK democratic institutions do and why they matter. Crucially, it is packed with interactive activities to support this information.
The Work of an MP by the Parliamentary Education Service
A booklet designed to inform primary and early secondary students of the varied work of an MP.
Discover Parliament by the Parliamentary Education Service
Aimed at 11 to 14 year olds, this booklet explains the work of Parliament.
Citizens and Society by the Citizenship Foundation
A political literacy teacher resource-pack. Teachers are provided with the means to introduce ideas and forms of argument that enable students to become informed and questioning citizens.
Learning Through Elections by Institute for Citizenship
Lesson plans, activities and background information designed to support secondary teachers in bringing the concepts of citizenship and democracy to life during a General Election.
The European Parliament - What's That? by the UK Office of the European Parliament
CD-ROM, DVD, lesson plans and display material designed for teaching 11-18 year olds about the European Union.
DVDs & Videos
Big Ben and All That! by the Hansard Society
An interactive CD-ROM using bite sized filmed interviews with MPs, Peers and Teachers to explain the inner workings of Parliament. This free resource includes interactive presentation facility and additional resources.
General Elections Explained/Scrutiny Uncovered by the Parliamentary Education Service
What happens during a General Election? How do Select Committees work? These two 20 minute programmes are suitable for 15-18 year olds, students and those in sixth form/higher education colleges. Available in DVD and video format.
You've Got the Power by the Parliamentary Education Service
A new resource pack that brings Parliament to life through a series of animated films. Available for use with both primary and secondary age students, the pack introduces how Parliament works.
Websites
The Hansard Society:
www.hansardsociety.org.uk
Heads Up - An innovative online forum where young people discuss topical issues with decision-makers:
www.headsup.org.uk
The Electoral Commission:
www.electoralcommission.org.uk
www.aboutmyvote.co.uk
www.dopolitics.co.uk
The Department for Children, Schools and Families:
www.dcsf.gov.uk
www.teachernet.gov.uk
Association for Citizenship Teaching:
www.teachingcitizenship.org.uk
Citizenship Foundation (including lesson plans for PRUs):
www.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk
British Youth Council:
www.byc.org.uk
Operation Black Vote:
www.obv.org.uk
Electoral Reform Society:
www.electoral-reform.org.uk
UK Parliament:
www.explore.parliament.uk
www.parliament.uk
www.parliament.uk/educationUK
Youth Parliament:
www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk
Catch 21:
www.catch21.co.uk
UK Office of the European Parliament:
www.europarl.org.uk