Understanding politics: Political institutions for learners in Wales

This set of four hour-long lessons teaches learners in Wales about the institutions of government that affect their lives.

It aims to ensure that learners have a thorough understanding of the responsibilities of their representatives at each level, how those representatives are elected, and how they can get in touch with them to effect change. By the end of the programme, learners feel confident in distinguishing which issues are devolved to local government, which are devolved to the Senedd, and which powers are reserved to Westminster.

Learners should also have a strong understanding of the differences in how representatives are elected at each level and have begun developing their ability to reflect critically on how institutions are organised and present these opinions to their peers.

The programme consists of four teacher-led lessons, which introduce learners to the following institutions:

• Local government
• The Senedd
• The House of Commons
• The House of Lords

Lessons can be delivered separately, if learners would benefit from learning about a particular level of government, or together, as part of a suite of lessons that aim to teach them everything they need to know about the democratic institutions affecting life in Wales. In each session, learners will be taught about the structure and responsibilities of the level of government in question before taking part in an activity that encourages them to reflect on their opinions about it or how they might influence it.

The 'Understanding politics' programme was designed by The Politics Project.