Learners' Knowledge and Understanding
Political knowledge and understanding
A key outcome of the programme was to support young people to better understand the democratic process, specifically the Welsh and UK political systems, the role of politicians and social and political issues.
This ensures learners are able to interact with their politicians and explore key issues, maximising the success of the session. Furthermore, we want to establish the knowledge and understanding needed for learners to continue to engage in the democratic process following the Dialogue.
Understanding the Welsh political system
There was a positive shift in learners’ knowledge and understanding of Welsh political systems. The number of learners who reported that they “understood how the Welsh political system works” increased by 20%, from 40% before the programme to 60% after.
There was also a 12% increase in learners that reported a good understanding of the “differences between the Welsh and UK government”, from 46% before the programme to 58% following the programme.
This is supported by 93% of teachers who believe that their learners have an improved understanding of the political system in Wales and the UK.
Percentage of Learners Who 'Understand the Welsh Political System'
Percentage of Learners Who 'Understand the Welsh Political System'
Percentage of Learners Who 'Understand the Difference Between the Welsh and UK Government'
Percentage of Learners Who 'Understand the Difference Between the Welsh and UK Government'
Understanding the role of politicians
Digital Dialogue: Wales teaches learners about the roles and responsibilities of different types of politicians: Councillors, Members of Senedd, Members of Parliament and Peers.
The programme was successful in improving learners' understanding of the role of a politician. “I think it’s definitely improved their understanding of what [politicians] do”, said Helen Oyston, teacher at Christ the King Catholic Primary School, "lots of them have never thought about what politics is and what a politician is. I think the project has really helped that and helped the children to think further afield”.
The percentage of learners who reported that they “understood the role of a politician” rose by 13%, from 51% before the programme to 64% afterwards.
Percentage of Learners Who 'Understand the Role of a Politician'
Percentage of Learners Who 'Understand the Role of a Politician'
Understanding of social and political issues
The majority of learners understood the issues discussed by the politician they spoke to. In response to the statement “I understand the issues the politician spoke about”, 59% of learners agreed.
97% of teachers feel the programme has improved their learners' understanding of social and political issues.
Percentage of Learners Who Understand 'The Issues the Politician Spoke About'
