Teachers' notes
Secondary data: 2011 UK census
Synopsis
With our simplified Excel sheets and step-by-step worksheet, your students will produce their own digital map.
Introduction
Every 10 years a UK census takes place, the most recent of which has been released between July 2012 and
October 2013. A-Level syllabuses often refer to census data, but how should it be made use of?
This set of teachers’ notes uses RGS-IBG resources (an article, interview, worksheet and PowerPoint) to outline
two lessons. The first lesson introduces secondary data and the UK census. The second lesson involves a digital
mapping task.
Students will develop their understanding of the UK census and its usefulness as a secondary data source. They
will also develop data presentation and interpretation skills.
Relevance
The suggested lesson plan can be used to support the teaching of:
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Aims
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Geographical skills
Fieldwork investigations
Population and migration
To appreciate that the UK census is an important secondary data source that helps us understand
population characteristics and informs decision making processes
To understand the concept of digital mapping and be able to create a digital map using census data
To apply existing geographical knowledge to critically interpret UK census data
Outcomes
 To explain the purpose, method and limitations of the UK census
 To produce a digital map using Google Fusion Tables and UK census data
 To describe and explain geographical patterns of population, as represented on a map
Lesson 1 – Introduction to secondary data
Learning Objectives:
 To define the term ‘secondary data’
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To understand the importance of secondary
data in geographical research
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To critically evaluate a secondary data
source
Resources:
PowerPoint presentation
Printed ‘Ask the Expert’ interview or online access
to www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org
Vocabulary:
Secondary data
Census
Population characteristics
Digital mapping
Ward
References syllabus :
 Geographical skills: understanding of, and
ability to critically evaluate, secondary data
5 mins
Introduction
Ask students which of the following statements they believe are true. They are all true,
according to the 2011 UK census.
15 mins
Deliver the ‘Secondary data’ PowerPoint presentation.
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Main sections:
What is secondary data?
Why might it useful?
The UK census
Limitations of secondary data
10 mins
Task: Find out the truth about where you live. Either individually or as a group, visit:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/interactive/2012/dec/13/census-2011-truth-where-youlive-interactive Are there any surprising figures? Can you explain some of the more
major changes?
10 mins
Extension: Students to read Geography in the News interview on ‘Digital mapping’.
http://www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org/interviews/article/default.aspx?id=1896 They
should consider the usefulness of the Twitter and taxi data discussed in the article.
These provide examples of secondary data that contrast with the more ‘formal’ or
‘official’ data sources, such as the UK census
10 mins
Plenary
Return to the true of false statements posed in the lesson introduction. Ask students to
evaluate the claims made by the 2011 UK census. What possible explanations can we
provide for each statement? Draw on existing geographical knowledge and their newly
acquired knowledge of the limitations associated with secondary data.
Homework
If students haven’t already got their own Google account, they should create one. This
will be required to access ‘Google Drive’ and ‘Google Fusion Tables’ in next lesson’s
practical (see ‘Digital Mapping’ worksheet).
Lesson 2 – Mapping the 2011 UK census
Learning Objectives:
 To digitally map census data
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To describe spatial patterns and temporal
changes
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To apply appropriate existing geographical
knowledge to data analysis
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To critically evaluate the use of digital
mapping as a method of data presentation
Resources:
Computers with Internet access
Google account and log-in details
Printed worksheets or online access to
www.geographyinthenews.rgs.org
Ideally, the Google Chrome Internet browser should
be used for maximum compatibility
Vocabulary:
Area code
Shape file
Geocode
Merge
References syllabus :
 Geographical skills: ICT skills, including
data-handling and basic GIS
5 mins
Introduction
Show students online digital maps of the 2011 UK census data, such as this:
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/interactive/census-map-2-1---health/index.html
50 mins
Task: Students to log onto their computers and follow the digital mapping worksheet.
Talk students through the major stages to ensure that they stay on track.
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All students will create a digital map of population density of England and
Wales, by local authority
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Most students will customise information windows to show only data that is
relevant to the reader of the map
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Some students will select their own colour scheme to best represent
population density and use advanced techniques to edit information windows.
Extension: Written task – students to describe and explain the geographical pattern of
one of the 2011 UK census maps available here: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guidemethod/census/2011/census-data/2011-census-interactive-content/index.html
5 mins
30 mins
Plenary
As a group, describe and explain the geographical pattern of this ‘health’ map:
http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/interactive/census-map-2-1---health/index.html This should
assist students in developing data-response skills.
Homework
Students to provide exam-style answers to questions 1-6 as listed on the bottom of the
worksheet.