Introduction

Supporting your community is an important part of being a good citizen in the UK. There are many ways you can help and get involved. This guide will explain some of these ways clearly.

Jury Service

  • What is Jury Service?
    • Jury service is when you help decide if someone is guilty or innocent in a court case.
    • If you are on the electoral register (which means you can vote) and you are aged between 18 and 70, you can be randomly selected to serve on a jury.

Helping in Schools

  • How Can Parents Help?
    • If you have children, there are many ways to help at their schools:
      • In the Classroom: Parents can assist teachers, help with activities, or listen to children read.
      • Fundraising Events: Schools often host events to raise money for supplies or activities. Examples include:
        • Book sales
        • Toy sales
        • Bake sales (selling food)
      • Joining PTAs: Parent-Teacher Associations organise events. You can volunteer to help or join to meet new people.

School Governors and School Boards

  • What Do School Governors Do?
    • School governors (or members of the school board in Scotland) are local people who help improve children’s education.
    • Who Can Be a Governor? You must be at least 18 years old, and there is no upper age limit.
    • Key Roles of Governors:
      1. Setting the school’s direction.
      2. Ensuring accountability.
      3. Monitoring and evaluating school performance.
    • You can contact your local school if they need governors. In England, you can also apply online at the School Governors’ One-Stop Shop.

Questions

Easy Level Questions

  1. What is jury service?
    • A) Voting in an election
    • B) Helping decide a court case
    • C) Joining a school board
    • D) Selling food at a school fair
  2. Who can be selected for jury service?
    • A) Anyone over 16
    • B) Anyone on the electoral register aged 18 to 70
    • C) Only teachers
    • D) Only parents with children in school
  3. How can parents help in schools?
    • A) By staying at home
    • B) By helping in classrooms
    • C) By playing sports
    • D) By working full-time
  4. What is a PTA?
    • A) Parent-Teacher Association
    • B) Public Transport Authority
    • C) Private Teaching Academy
    • D) Parent Training Association
  5. What is one way schools raise money?
    • A) By charging for homework
    • B) Through fundraising events
    • C) By selling textbooks
    • D) By asking for donations only from parents
  6. How old do you have to be to be a school governor?
    • A) 16
    • B) 18
    • C) 21
    • D) 30
  7. What is one role of school governors?
    • A) Teaching classes
    • B) Setting the school’s direction
    • C) Cleaning the school
    • D) Organising sports events
  8. Where can you find opportunities to help at your child’s school?
    • A) In the local newspaper
    • B) At the school notice board
    • C) On social media
    • D) At the supermarket
  9. What is one event parents can help with at school?
    • A) Sports day
    • B) End-of-year exams
    • C) Fundraising events
    • D) Teacher meetings
  10. What is the age limit for jury service?
    • A) 60
    • B) 70
    • C) 80
    • D) No limit

Medium Level Questions

  1. What is the purpose of jury service?
    • A) To vote for the Prime Minister
    • B) To decide on legal cases
    • C) To raise money for schools
    • D) To help teachers
  2. What is one way you can be involved in your community?
    • A) Ignoring local events
    • B) Volunteering at schools
    • C) Only watching from afar
    • D) Moving away from the area
  3. What can parents do in a classroom?
    • A) Teach the whole class
    • B) Support teachers and children
    • C) Make rules for students
    • D) Decide grades for students
  4. Who can volunteer for PTA activities?
    • A) Only teachers
    • B) Only parents of children in school
    • C) Anyone in the community
    • D) Only school governors
  5. What must governors do to help schools?
    • A) Teach every subject
    • B) Set the school’s direction and monitor performance
    • C) Only attend meetings
    • D) Organise sports events only
  6. How often can you be called for jury service?
    • A) Once a year
    • B) Once in a lifetime
    • C) Randomly throughout your eligible years
    • D) Every month
  7. What is a common fundraising activity?
    • A) Parent-teacher meetings
    • B) Bake sales
    • C) School exams
    • D) Teacher training
  8. What is the main role of the PTA?
    • A) To manage school funds
    • B) To organise events and improve school life
    • C) To teach classes
    • D) To run the school
  9. What happens if you are selected for jury service?
    • A) You must go to court
    • B) You can refuse
    • C) You get paid
    • D) You can ignore it
  10. What is one benefit of helping in schools?
    • A) You can get a job there
    • B) You make new friends
    • C) You can avoid paying taxes
    • D) You receive a salary

Hard Level Questions

  1. What is the role of school governors in raising standards?
    • A) They teach students
    • B) They ensure accountability
    • C) They write the curriculum
    • D) They grade exams
  2. How can parents influence school policies?
    • A) By volunteering as governors
    • B) By staying silent
    • C) By only talking to their children
    • D) By not attending meetings
  3. What is a key responsibility of a school board member?
    • A) To monitor teachers’ breaks
    • B) To set the strategic direction of the school
    • C) To sell school uniforms
    • D) To organise student clubs
  4. What online resource can you use to find about becoming a school governor?
    • A) School website
    • B) School Governors’ One-Stop Shop
    • C) Local council website
    • D) Social media platforms
  5. Why is fundraising important for schools?
    • A) To pay teachers more
    • B) To buy extra supplies and equipment
    • C) To reduce school hours
    • D) To make schools more expensive
  6. What role do PTAs play in the fundraising process?
    • A) They manage school finances
    • B) They organise fundraising events
    • C) They decide school policies
    • D) They teach students
  7. How can community members become involved in new schools?
    • A) By applying to open a free school
    • B) By ignoring the process
    • C) By only discussing it
    • D) By waiting for schools to open
  8. What is a key aspect of being a good citizen regarding jury service?
    • A) Only participating when you want
    • B) Fulfilling your civic duty when called
    • C) Refusing to serve
    • D) Ignoring the court system
  9. What type of events do schools typically organise for fundraising?
    • A) Academic competitions
    • B) Sports tournaments
    • C) Community fairs and sales
    • D) Teacher training sessions
  10. Who can help with the decision-making process in schools?
    • A) Only teachers
    • B) School governors and parents
    • C) Only the headteacher
    • D) Local politicians

Answers

Easy Level Answers

  1. B
  2. B
  3. B
  4. A
  5. B
  6. B
  7. B
  8. B
  9. C
  10. B

Medium Level Answers

  1. B
  2. B
  3. B
  4. C
  5. B
  6. C
  7. B
  8. B
  9. A
  10. B

Hard Level Answers

  1. B
  2. A
  3. B
  4. B
  5. B
  6. B
  7. A
  8. B
  9. C
  10. B