The Benefits

Benefits for Principle 1 - Non-partisan — but not neutral

• It encourages evidence-based discussion - not political bias

• Builds respect for critical evaluation of opinions

• Helps students become responsible, informed citizens

Benefits for Principle 2 - Start with lived experience

• Makes politics relevant to everyday life

• Connects topics to pupils’ realities

• Increases engagement and understanding of how politics affects them

Benefits for Principle 3 - Build critical skills

• Develops the ability to evaluate sources and detect misinformation

• Promotes independent, reflective thinking

• Prepares students to participate safely and thoughtfully in public debate

Benefits for Principle 4 - Democratic classroom practice

• Transforms classrooms into mini-democracies

• Builds teamwork, leadership, and compromise skills

• Allows students to experience democracy in action

Benefits for Principle 5 - Historical & global perspective

• Teaches the struggles and evolution of democracy

• Encourages global awareness through comparison of political systems

• Strengthens appreciation for rights and civic freedoms

Benefits for Principle 6 - Inclusion of marginalised voices

• Highlights contributions of women, minorities, and diverse communities

• Promotes equality, empathy, and representation

• Ensures every student sees their identity reflected in civic life

Benefits for Principle 7 - Practical engagement

• Connects students directly with local representatives and institutions

• Encourages visits to the Senedd, Parliament, or local councils

• Makes politics tangible and inspiring

Benefits for Principle 8 - Balance civic knowledge with empowerment

• Combines learning about democracy with active participation

• Inspires students to lead petitions, campaigns, and initiatives

• Builds confidence that everyone can shape society

Overall Benefits

• A civic education that is dynamic, inclusive, and empowering

• Produces students who are:

  • Ethically grounded

  • Politically literate

  • Actively engaged in democracy

School-wide benefits

• Aligns directly with the Curriculum for Wales

• Supports Humanities and Ethical Citizenship Areas of Learning

• Builds pupils’ critical thinking, empathy, and democratic engagement

• Strengthens Estyn’s vision for learner voice, inclusion, and active citizenship - while improving engagement in Humanities and PSHE lessons

• Ready-made lesson plans to use