Learning Resources

Here you can find a variety of resources about the Supreme Court and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. These resources can be used to prepare for a visit to the Court or to support learning in the classroom or at home.

To organise a visit to the Court please see Tours page

If you'd like to learn more about the UK Supreme Court, the role the Court plays within society and what it is like to work there, this Royal Holloway course, produced in collaboration with the Supreme Court, is for you.

SEND resources

These resources have been created with individuals with additional needs in mind. ‘Look inside the Supreme Court’ helps to show what a visit to the Supreme Court might be like. There are teachers notes to accompany the slides.

These resources are available for download. If you require an editable version of these, please contact us. 

For Younger Visitors

Resources to use at the Court

There are two activity booklets available to complete during a visit to the Court.

The Art Trail - This will teach you about the art you can see around the Supreme Court and encourages you to make your own art! To make the most of this resource bring your own pencils or pens.  

Legal Eagle Trail- This will guide you through the exhibition space on the Lower Ground Floor. You will learn about what the Supreme Court does and why it was created. You will also get a chance to Be a Justice and think about how you would make choices or decisions as a Justice (judge) at the UK Supreme Court.

Art resources for the classroom or home

Supreme Court Art Workbook- this colouring and art booklet encourages you to create your own art inspired by the art around the Supreme Court. This could be during a visit or for use in the classroom to prepare or reflect. A visit to the Supreme Court is not required for this activity.

• UK Supreme Court Colouring book (PDF)

For schools and colleges

These lesson plans and classroom materials have been created to support learning around the Supreme Court, they are designed for students studying Higher Qualifications or A Levels. These lessons are best accompanied by a virtual or in-person educational tour of the Court but can be adapted for use without a visit to the Court. They can be used flexibly to last between 60-90 minutes.

Select a subject focus:

Human rights

Learning objectives: To be able to describe human rights, how they are protected, and how they have developed. To explore the Court’s role and relevant cases.

Interpreting judgments

Learning Objectives: To understand how judgments made at the UKSC influence and affect the public.

Separation of powers

Learning Objectives: To understand the meaning of the separation of powers in relation to the judiciary. To learn why separation of powers is important, how it has developed over time and how the situation in the UK differs from other countries. 

Differences between The UK Supreme Court and The Supreme Court of the United States

Learning Objectives: To understand the main differences and similarities between the role and work of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the UK Supreme Court (UKSC).

Debate resources

The Debate Day programme offers schools the chance to debate topics at the Supreme Court. Successful applicants spend a day at the UKSC, have a tour of the building, are coached by professional lawyers, in preparation for a debate that will take place in one of the courtrooms. If you are unsuccessful in your application, consider using these resources to host your own debate day.

These resources present a debate topic based around a point of law in a case previously heard at the Supreme Court.

The resources introduce students to the topic of the debate and facts about the case, plus information for debate teams and a debate timetable. There are also recommendations for the students' own research.

University

The Supreme Court and JCPC offer a variety of resources for university students.

FutureLearn Course

If you'd like to learn more about the UK Supreme Court, the role the Court plays within society and what it is like to work there, this Royal Holloway course, produced in collaboration with the Supreme Court, is for you.

During the two–week course, you'll get to explore the current workings and history of the UK Supreme Court and wider aspects of the law, as well as take a closer look at routes into the legal profession.

Whether you want to practice law or you would like to gain more understanding as a citizen, you'll gain a fascinating insight into this key institution's legal role.

The course contains 8 hours of learning and is free if completed in two weeks. Register at Inside the UK Supreme Court - Online Law Course - FutureLearn 

We hope you enjoy the course which is designed to give everyone an insight into the work of the Supreme Court

Inspiring Girls by Lady Arden

Former Justice, The Right Hon Lady Arden of Heswall DBE has now retired from the UK Supreme Court. During the time she sat on the Supreme Court, Lady Ardern was one of two female justices. She grew up in Liverpool before going on to study law at Girton College Cambridge and Harvard Law School. She had a number of prestigious positions within the legal world, including being the first woman judge appointed of the Chancery division. Alongside her work in the judiciary, she has written extensively on how law keeps pace with social change. In this video created by Inspiring Girls Lady Arden talks about her inspirations, provides advice and gives highlights from her own career.

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Educational Videos

What is the Supreme Court? Why was it established in 2009? And what issues does it hear? Find out with our series of educational videos.