Learning resources

Learning resources

We have developed a range of learning resources for schools, colleges and universities. These resources have been developed with assistance from teachers. We also offer free virtual tours to schools in JCPC jurisdictions. Find out more and book here.

Contents

Resources for children under 11 years old

Art Trail

This is an interactive booklet for children to discover more about the wide range of art around the Supreme Court building. It encourages young visitors to learn whilst drawing from prompts. Please note, this printable resource is designed for use in the building rather than at home.

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Colouring book

These are Supreme Court thematic colouring pages, aimed at children.

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Resources for schools and colleges

Lesson plan on protecting human rights - AS/A/Higher Level

This is a two-lesson plan based on the topic of human rights. The first lesson plan explores which human rights are legally protected in the UK, how these have developed over time, and the role of the courts in upholding them. It also encourages students to learn about specific cases decided by the Supreme Court in recent years.

The second lesson plan helps students reflect on how decisions of the Court affect the public, and how the Court's judgments are communicated.

Each of these lesson templates can be adapted for use without a visit to the Court and can be used flexibly to last between 60-90 minutes.

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First lesson

Second lesson

Worksheets on separation of powers - AS/A/Higher Level

These are worksheets on the topic of the separation of powers. These worksheets are designed to help students understand the meaning of the separation of powers in relation to the judiciary.

They will learn why separation of powers is important, how it has developed over time and how the situation in the UK differs from other countries. They will also take a look at specific Supreme Court cases.

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The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (UKSC) : A comparative learning tool - AS/A/Higher Level

This learning resource is designed to help students 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).

The main text is accompanied by four open questions aimed to further students' understanding.

The resource is particularly complementary to the Government and Politics AS/A Level.

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Run your own Supreme Court debate - AS/A/Higher Level

These learning resources can be used as preparation material for running a student debate within the classroom. The debate topic is 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.

Students will learn more about the role of the Supreme Court, the type of cases it hears and how to structure arguments. The debates will help to enhance confidence in public speaking.

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Beginner's Guide to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council - GCSE/A Level

This Beginner's Guide gives an overview of the history, role and work of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC).

You are welcome to download, copy and distribute it within your educational institution and link to our content on your website.

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Resources for universities

This educational resource offers undergraduates an overview of the role and operation of the Court and a signpost to extra-judicial speeches and other materials.

You are welcome to download, copy and distribute it within your educational institution and link to our content on your website.

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If you have any further enquiries, please contact us.

Resources for SEN pupils

These resources are designed for SEN pupils. "Look inside the Supreme Court" should be used in advance of a visit to familiarise the pupils with the Court. There are also notes for teachers to help them plan their visit.

These resources are available for download. If you require an editable version of these resources, please contact enquiries@supremecourt.uk.

Discover more about the Justices and staff at the Supreme Court

Interviews with Supreme Court Justices

Listen

These interviews are with serving and former Justices. In them, Justices speak about their career path and why they applied to become a Justice, as well as sharing insights into what the application process felt like and what advice they would give someone considering applying.

Inspiring Girls by Lady Arden

Former justice of the Supreme Court, The Right Hon Lady Arden of Heswall DBE is one of two female justices at the Supreme Court. She grew up in Liverpool before going on to 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.

Watch

The role of the Judicial Assistant by our JAs

Judicial Assistants are qualified solicitors or barristers and assist the Justices. In these videos they reveal what it's like to work at the heart of the UK's highest Court.

The opportunity to apply for the role of Judicial Assistant is open every year, with applications invited from January to March.

Watch

If you have any further enquiries, please contact us.

Three short videos were released on social media during the application period where Justices talk on themes such as: the qualities of a Justice; tips for Justices; and diversity in the judicial profession. You can watch these videos via the links below.

Videos

The UK Supreme Court has worked closely with the Ministry of Justice to bring together three short videos which were created by a group of aspiring judges and legal professionals from diverse backgrounds who met to interview Lord Hamblen, Lord Sales and Lady Rose. The videos cover key topics, including top qualities that a judge should possess, the importance of diversity within the judiciary and advice for aspiring judges.