The study handbook
Read short lessons on civic life, the nations, history, culture and government.
0 of 26 lessons readTwo free lessons
Shared values and citizenshipExplore the principles behind public life and the steps people take towards British citizenship.
Democracy in practice3 min · Follow a local issue from a conversation among neighbours to a decision that representatives must explain.AvailableLaw, liberty and fair treatment3 min · Consider how legal rules protect personal freedom and hold public power to account.PremiumBelonging and mutual respect2 min · Think about how shared rules help communities with varied religious and cultural traditions.PremiumSettlement, citizenship and ceremonies3 min · Understand the different meanings of settlement and citizenship and what a ceremony marks.PremiumPreparing for the Life in the UK Test2 min · Learn the format and plan a practice routine around it.Premium
The UK and its nationsPlace the four nations, their capitals and their neighbouring islands on a mental map.
The four nations and their capitals3 min · Build a map of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with four capital cities.AvailableThe Crown Dependencies and territories3 min · Understand the distinct status of the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and British Overseas Territories.PremiumMountains, rivers and coasts3 min · Use a few distinctive landscapes to remember where places belong.PremiumThe flag and national identities2 min · Read the history behind the Union Flag and distinguish it from individual national symbols.Premium
Britain through timeFollow the major changes in settlement, power and society from prehistory to the present.
Prehistoric communities and Roman Britain4 min · Connect physical evidence from Stonehenge and Hadrian's Wall with the societies that built them.PremiumEarly kingdoms and medieval power4 min · Trace the changes from Anglo-Saxon kingdoms to the Norman Conquest and Magna Carta.PremiumTudors, Stuarts and the power of Parliament4 min · Link major changes in religion and monarchy with the development of parliamentary authority.PremiumUnion, industry and empire4 min · Put constitutional unions, factory growth and abolition in their historical context.PremiumWorld wars and wider voting rights4 min · Connect the dates of the world wars with the changes taking place between them.PremiumPost-war Britain and new institutions4 min · Explore post-war healthcare, migration and changes to government in Northern Ireland.Premium
Culture and everyday lifeLearn how languages, annual traditions, creative work and sport are part of life across the UK.
Languages, faith and identity3 min · Understand how language and religious affiliation vary across communities.PremiumAnnual traditions and remembrance3 min · Match events in the civic calendar to the history or people they commemorate.PremiumWriting, theatre and performance3 min · Remember makers and works by linking them to the ways their audiences encountered them.PremiumSport, rules and clubs3 min · See how shared rules, clubs and competitions shaped several familiar sports.PremiumInvention and public collections3 min · Use examples from industrial history and computing to see how museums make past work visible.Premium
Government, law and participationIdentify who makes decisions and how people can influence them or ask for help.
Parliament, government and the Crown4 min · Work out which part of the system proposes, examines and formally enacts laws.PremiumElections and representatives3 min · Follow a parliamentary vote from registration to the constituency result.PremiumFrom bill to Act3 min · Follow a proposal through readings, detailed examination and Royal Assent.PremiumCourts, juries and the justice system4 min · Distinguish criminal cases, civil disputes and the roles played by judges and juries.PremiumDevolution and local services3 min · Match a public issue to a local council, a devolved institution or the UK Government.PremiumThe UK and the wider world3 min · Tell apart the Commonwealth, the United Nations, NATO and the European Union.Premium