Public institutions and voluntary groups
Councils, the NHS and the police are just part of the picture — charities and volunteers fill gaps that public bodies cannot always reach.
Part of your national curriculum
- Democracy and government: Understand the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities
Lesson overview
What you'll learn in this lesson
Understand the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities
Key learning points
- • Public institutions
- • Voluntary and charitable groups
- • Working together
This lesson at a glance
- 25 minutes
- 17 parts to scroll through
- 3 quick checks
- Marked quiz at the end
- Gentle pace: short sittings with pauses
Words to know
Scroll down — the lesson carries on below
Watch & discover
Part 1 of 17
Visual introductionPicture this
Public institutions and voluntary groups
Councils, the NHS and the police are just part of the picture — charities and volunteers fill gaps that public bodies cannot always reach.
In a nutshell
Understand the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities
Learning cycle
Part 2 of 17
Learning cycle 1 of 2
Part 1 · Public institutions
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 3 of 17
Learn
Public institutions
Public institutions such as the NHS, schools, the police and local councils are funded by taxpayers to provide essential services. They are accountable to the public through elected representatives and regulators, and their decisions affect everyone in a community.
Reset break
Part 4 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 1 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Explore the idea
Part 5 of 17
Learn
Voluntary and charitable groups
Voluntary organisations, from food banks to sports clubs, are run by people giving their time and skills for free or for causes they care about. They often respond faster than large institutions and know local needs well.
Quick check
Part 6 of 17
Quick check
Part 7 of 17
Reset break
Part 8 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 2 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Learning cycle
Part 9 of 17
Learning cycle 2 of 2
Part 2 · Working together
A short piece of teaching, then a check to make sure it has landed.
Explore the idea
Part 10 of 17
Learn
Working together
Public bodies and voluntary groups frequently partner: a council might fund a charity to run a youth club, or a hospital might rely on volunteer drivers. Citizens who volunteer, donate or campaign help both sectors succeed.
Quick check
Part 11 of 17
Reset break
Part 12 of 17
Pause
That's sitting 3 of 4 done
Stretch, get a drink, look out of the window. There is no timer and nothing is counting down — your place is saved, so you can come back in five minutes or tomorrow.
Challenge round
Part 13 of 17
Game · Sort it
Which of these are true?
Drag each card into the right column. Tap a card first if dragging is fiddly.
True
Not true
Challenge round
Part 14 of 17
Game · Fill the gaps
Finish the sentences
Choose the word that belongs in each gap.
____ institutions such as the NHS, schools, the police and local councils are funded by taxpayers to provide essential services.
____ organisations, from food banks to sports clubs, are run by people giving their time and skills for free or for causes they care about.
They often respond faster than large ____ and know local needs well.
Challenge round
Part 15 of 17
Game · Recall cards
Which of these is a public institution funded by taxpayers?
Card 1 of 3
Mastery quiz
Part 16 of 17
Marked quiz
End of lesson quiz: Public institutions and voluntary groups
3 questions, marked with the reasoning shown. No timer.
1. Which of these is a public institution funded by taxpayers?
2. What is a key strength of voluntary groups?
3. Give an example of public and voluntary sectors working together.
Lesson round-up
Part 17 of 17
Lesson round-up
Ready when you are
Quiz score
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Luna: 0 out of 3 on the practice checks. Only if you feel up to it — one more?
Ask LunaPart 1 of 17 · Watch & discover
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Understand the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities