The royal family and the UK

Objective & content

This sheet on the British monarchy opens on a conversation: Sam and Noor, on a class trip outside Buckingham Palace, talk about the flag on the roof, the King's Guard, the coronation of 2023, who makes the laws and the four nations of the UK. Every target word is in it first, from monarch and throne to Parliament and head of state. By the end, pupils can name the people, places and ceremonies of the monarchy and the four nations. The text gives facts and takes no side.

Pedagogical guide

The tasks go from understanding the words to using them: six multiple-choice questions on the conversation, then on page 2 six royal things and places to name from a box of eight and ten words to match with their meanings. Page 3 has eight sentences to complete, the adjectives of the four nations (Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, British) with a worked example, and ends on a word search of 20 words, across, down and diagonally, whose leftover letters spell a fact: THE UNITED KINGDOM HAS FOUR NATIONS. Grammar stays on the A2 floor (present and past simple, going to) and is never tested.

Suggested procedure

1. (5 min) Show the four nations on a map, then the Union Jack: which crosses can pupils see?
2. (10 min) Read the conversation aloud in pairs, one pupil as Sam, one as Noor, then answer the six questions.
3. (10 min) Page 2: name the pictures, then match the meanings.
4. (15 min) Page 3: the sentences, the four nations, then the word search and its hidden message.
5. (5 min) Correct with the answer key on pages 4 and 5.

Adaptations

[S] Do the first two words of the word search together and show how the leftover letters are read.

[A] Pupils compare: who is the head of state in France, and in the UK?

Materials & prerequisites

One copy per pupil of the three pupil pages, in colour or black and white. Pages 4 and 5 are the answer key with teacher notes: keep them. A map of the UK helps for the start. To take it further, pupils plan a one-day royal tour of London.