Local Elections Explained

National Curriculum Links

• PSHE Association Programme of Study:
  • Living in the Wider World – KS4 (Years 9-11): "Explain the different levels of government; understand how laws and rules are made and how to participate in democratic processes"
• National Curriculum for Citizenship (England) (adopted into PSHE):
  • Section 3.1: Understanding electoral systems, including local elections
  • Section 3.2: Roles and responsibilities of local officials

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Lesson Overview

A 60-minute interactive session designed to help Year 10 students understand how local elections are conducted in England and the primary roles of local councillors. The lesson will develop knowledge of democratic processes at a local level, encouraging active citizenship and preparedness for participation in local government as informed young people.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Outline the process and stages of local elections in England, including key terminology such as "wards", "votes", and "election day".
2. Describe the main responsibilities and roles of a local councillor and how they serve their communities.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of how local elections impact everyday life and local decision-making.
4. Engage in an interactive mock local election to practise democratic participation and reflect on the importance of these elections.

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Resources Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed handouts: Local election process flowchart + Role of a Local Councillor fact-sheet
• Ballot papers and ballot box for mock election
• Name tags for fictional candidates
• Projector for short video clip (optional)
• Paper and pens for students

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Starter (10 minutes)

• Begin with a question: “What do you know about local elections? Have you ever heard of local councillors?”
• Quick group brainstorm on the whiteboard, noting keywords and misconceptions.
• Present a brief overview of why local elections matter, linking to students’ daily lives (e.g., schooling, parks, rubbish collection).

2. Explaining Local Elections (15 minutes)

• Distribute the Local Election Process flowchart handout.
• Teacher-led explanation covering:
  • What a “local election” is — election to choose local councillors who represent people in wards.
  • Who can vote: UK citizens 18+ resident in the area.
  • How voting happens: polling stations, postal votes, voter registration.
  • Voting system used: First Past the Post for local councils.
  • Frequency of elections: usually every 4 years.
• Clarify terminology: “ward”, “councillor”, “ballot paper”, “voter registration”.
• (Optional) Show a 2-minute video clip illustrating a local election in action for visual reinforcement.

3. Exploring the Role of a Local Councillor (15 minutes)

• Handout the “Role of a Local Councillor” fact-sheet.
• Discuss the main duties:
  • Representing local people in council meetings.
  • Making decisions about local services (e.g., waste collection, schools, transport).
  • Working with community groups and residents.
  • Advocating for local needs to higher government.
• Discuss examples where councillors have made a difference (e.g., improving a park, tackling local issues).
• Group activity: In pairs, students discuss what qualities make a good councillor and share with the class.

4. Mock Local Election Activity (15 minutes)

• Divide class into 3 fictional “wards” with 3 candidates each (teacher or students take roles).
• Distribute “ballot papers.” Each student votes for a councillor in their ward.
• Count votes and announce winners for each ward.
• Discuss feelings about voting, what influenced their choice, and the importance of voting locally.

5. Plenary and Assessment (5 minutes)

• Individual exit ticket: Write down one key fact they learned about local elections and one way a local councillor can affect their lives.
• Review key vocabulary orally.
• Remind students of how understanding local elections helps develop informed citizenship.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide vocabulary sheets with definitions for students who need additional language support.
• Allow role-play or oral responses for learners with writing difficulties.
• Use visual resources to support understanding for EAL students or those with SEN.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment via observation during discussions and mock election.
• Exit tickets to measure individual understanding against learning objectives.
• Teacher provides feedback next lesson on voting process clarity and councillor roles.

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Extension Ideas

• Homework: Research their local councillor and write a paragraph about current local issues they are working on.
• Invite a local councillor to talk to the class about their work.
• Create campaign posters for their mock candidates, integrating persuasive writing skills.

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This lesson helps students gain practical knowledge of democracy at a local level, fostering confidence and engagement with their communities in line with the national curriculum expectations for PSHE.