Lesson Plan

• Define a government budget surplus and distinguish it from a deficit.
• Calculate the budget balance using the formula Revenue – Expenditure.
• Explain why a surplus is economically significant and identify possible uses.
• Interpret a simple bar‑chart that compares total revenue and total expenditure.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Printed worksheet with the illustrative calculation table
• Calculators (one per pair)
• Sticky notes for exit tickets
• Graph paper or digital charting tool

Begin with a quick poll: “Has anyone heard recent news about a government surplus?” Connect this to prior learning on revenue and expenditure. Explain that today’s success criteria are to define a surplus, compute it, and discuss its importance.

1. Do‑Now (5'): Students answer a short question on revenue vs. expenditure on sticky notes.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define surplus, present the formula, and show the sample table.
3. Guided calculation (15'): In pairs, use the worksheet to compute the surplus and check answers.
4. Discussion (10'): Review “Why a surplus matters” list; students add one additional reason.
5. Chart activity (10'): Create a bar chart visualising revenue, expenditure, and surplus.
6. Exit ticket (5'): Write one key takeaway and one question they still have.

Summarise the definition, calculation method, and economic relevance of a budget surplus. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign homework: research the latest UK budget figures and write a brief paragraph on whether a surplus or deficit exists and why.