Second Level:
Social Studies
Teacher’s Voice = blue
Significant Aspect of Learning: Understanding the principles of democracy,
participation and citizenship by practicing democracy through electoral participation and
active citizenship in the school and local community.
Experiences and Outcomes
Learning Statements
I can describe the main features of a democracy and
discuss the rights and responsibilities of citizens in
Scotland. SOC 2 -17 a
Gives an account of the main features of democracy,
including elections and the work of elected representatives
and relates these to their own life.
I can investigate the features of an election and the
work of representatives at a local, national or
European level to begin to develop my understanding
of how democracy works. SOC 2-18 a
Understands how political decisions are made in the UK.
When I engage with others, I can respond in ways
appropriate to my role, show that I value others’
contributions and use these to build on thinking.
LIT 2-02a
Context of Learning: Mock elections.
A mock election gave the children lots of
opportunities to explore and learn about their rights
as children and the democratic process.
The children formed their own parties, wrote their
own manifestos, created publicity material and
campaigned for election.
Parents and local councilors were invited in to the
school to hear the pupils deliver their manifestos but
also to participate in the voting.
Learner’s Voice = red
Parent Voice = green
Parents were invited into school to hear the
children present their manifestos and share their
learning.
Voting in the mock election helps me to learn how to
vote fairly and to make fair decisions. I have learned to
accept those decisions and not to fight. I am able to
make my own mind up and not be pressured by
friends.
Through discussion, the learner showed awareness
of their rights and how they can contribute positively to
democratic processes.
The learner highlighted that fairness and making your
mind up without being pressured by peers are
important in school elections but also for elections for
parliaments and councils.
I researched campaign leaflets and was happy
with the layout of the leaflet I made for the party.
Everything on the campaign was agreed as a
team. We voted for the colours and team name
as part of the democratic process. I learnt how
important it was to create an eye-catching
display to attract potential voters.
The learner engaged enthusiastically with the
election process because they were actively
involved in creating their own party and
manifesto.
The learner was to research and decide where
change would improve the lives of the
community. The learner skilfully constructed and
delivered a persuasive argument, employing
lots of evidence to support their viewpoint.
The learner received valuable experience and
feedback from having parents and local
councillors listening to the debates and
participate in the voting.
Through participation in collaborative activities, the
learner demonstrated an understanding of how
political decisions are made in the UK and that
campaigning and policies are key to the success of
individual parties. They produced a high standard of
campaign materials and a manifesto full of good ideas,
relevant to their peers.
Through observation, the learner showed that they
worked and made decisions effectively as part of a
team. They could relate this experience to the success
or failure of real political parties.
I learned to listen to everyone’s
views to make improvements in our
future. As a team we had to ensure
that everyone contributed and
agreed with our manifesto.
I was a real boost to my confidence being able
to deliver my speech in front of parents and
local councillors.