Learning resources

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.

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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.

• Look inside the Supreme Court (PDF)
• Teacher's notes (PDF)

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

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 (download here)- 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.  

• UK Supreme Court Art Trail (PDF) 

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)

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.

• Protecting human rights: Teachers' lesson plan - AS/Higher Level (PDF)

• Protecting human rights: Students' materials - AS/Higher Level (PDF)

Interpreting judgments

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

• Interpreting judgments: Teacher's lesson plan - AS/Higher Level (PDF)
• Interpreting judgments: Students' materials - AS/Higher Level (PDF)

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. 

• Separation of powers: Worksheets for teachers (PDF)
• Separation of powers: Worksheets for students (PDF)

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).

• The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) and the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom (UKSC): A comparative learning tool (PDF)

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.

• DNA debate pack (PDF)
• Prenuptial agreement debate pack (PDF)
• Freedom of religion debate pack (PDF)
• Joint enterprise debate pack (PDF)
• Stop and search debate pack (PDF)
• Press and Privacy debate pack (PDF)
• Magna Carta - Freezing assets debate pack (PDF)

University

TO BE EDITED BEFORE TRANSFER- The Supreme Court: an overview of key themes, with references to further material (PDF)

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