Education - citizenship

What is citizenship? What does it mean for me?

Citizenship offers all schools the opportunity to celebrate their communities. It enriches the curriculum and empowers pupils as active citizens. — Sarah Davies, Citizenship co-ordinator, St Michael's RC School, Billingham

Citizenship education is about helping young people understand the rights and responsibilities they have as members of society. It recognises and builds on the excellent work that already goes on in many primary, special and secondary schools, and makes it an entitlement for all pupils. It is an opportunity to develop the sort of activities that inspired many teachers to join the teaching profession.

In September 2002, citizenship education became a statutory part of the national curriculum in secondary schools, building on the important work developed through the PSHE and Citizenship Framework in primary schools. Citizenship aims to ensure that students:

• know their rights and responsibilities
• analyse and discuss significant issues
• understand how society works
• play an active role in society.

Citizenship is a statutory subject at Key Stages 3 and 4 (secondary). It is part of a non-statutory framework at Key Stages 1 and 2 (primary). There are also plans underway for post-16.

Where and how will citizenship education happen?
Everywhere. It's up to schools to plan the delivery of citizenship. It can happen:

• through a whole-school approach in curriculum time
• via dedicated citizenship lessons
• through existing subjects, e.g. PSHE, history, geography, RE and science
• through the National Healthy School Standard Initiative
• through the Key Stage 3 Strategy
• in extra-curricular activities and special events.
• in the community
• at home
• through volunteering

For more information please visit the Citizenship website.