Citizenship education

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There are two very different kinds of Citizenship education,

The first is education intended to prepare noncitizens to become legally and social accepted as citizens. Secondly, there is Citizenship Education that is taught in schools, as an academic subject similar to politics or sociology.

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[edit] Citizenship Studies in schools and universities

In 2002, Citizenship was introduced as a compulsory subject as part of the English National Curriculum. Rather than providing education solely for those who are applying to become British Citizens, it is taught to all 11-16 year-olds in English maintained schools.

Citizenship Education as a National Curriculum subject covers a wide range of topics including politics and government, the legal system, the media, Identity and diversity and equal opportunities, human rights and global issues. Some commentators to the right of British politics believe that this is a 'nonsense' subject.[citation needed] The most notable are the British National Party.[citation needed]

In October 2005, the Education and Skills Select Committee began an inquiry into Citizenship Education. They have taken evidence from many expert witnesses. Their report was published in March 2007 and can be found on their website which is listed below.

The Citizenship Education Curriculum is based on four "strands" which are Social and Moral responsibility, Political literacy, community involvement and Identity and Diversity. The Citizenship curriculum also promotes skills of enquiry and communication and aims to develop student's participation and responsible action. Such elements of "active citizenship" require students to make practical use of their Citizenship knowledge. For example, after learning about diversity and prejudice, they would engage in a project to combat racism in their school or local community. Examples of active Citizenship projects include starting recycling programmes in schools, setting up peer counselling to help deal with bullying and running fair trade cafes.

A short-course GCSE in "Citizenship Studies" is taken by many 14-16 year-old students. All exam boards currently offering this course include a coursework requirement where students produce a report on an active Citizenship project they have taken part in. A full course GCSE is being developed and is expected to be available in September 2009.

There is also an AS level in Citizenship Studies. This currently has no active element. However an "extended project" is being piloted by AQA, whereby students work independently on an active Citizenship project. An A level in Citizenship Education is also being developed.

[edit] Citizenship Education at Key Stage 3 (years 7-9)

At Key Stage 3 (years 7-9, age 11-14) pupils study:

  • the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
  • central and local government, the public services they offer and how they are financed, and the opportunities to contribute
  • the key characteristics of parliamentary and other forms of government
  • the work of community-based, national and international voluntary groups
  • the importance of resolving conflict fairly

Citizenship Education in the UK also attempts to encourage the necessary skills for a future of active citizenship. To this end, students are taught to:

think about topical political, spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues, problems and events by analysing information and its sources, including ICT-based sources

justify orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events

contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in debates. Developing skills of participation and responsible action

use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express and explain views that are not their own

negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in both school and community-based activities

[edit] Education and Skills Select Committee inquiry into Citizenship Education 2006

In October 2005, the Education and Skills Select Committeeof the house of commons(ESSC) began an inquiry into Citizenship Education. The committee first called for written evidence which was submitted by many organisations including the Department of Education and Skills, The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, the Learning and Skills Network, OfSTED and the Association of Citizenship Teachers (ACT). The committee then invited an each of these organisations and a number of other expert witnesses to present oral evidence. The committee is expected to report in March 2007.

The Citizenship Foundation is a non-government organisation which submitted both written and oral evidence to the Select Committee inquiry. A summary of their submission can be found below.

- The “subject-plus” model of Citizenship has shown itself to be effective in encouraging schools to develop innovative community links in any number of ways. - Good quality Citizenship Education is not only crucial in its own right but is an important component in school improvement and transformation - Some teachers have enthusiastically welcomed the introduction of Citizenship, both because of the curriculum void that it has filled (notably around legal and political literacy) and because of the contribution that Citizenship makes to whole school life (especially in terms of pupil participation and community involvement). Others recognise its value but feel unqualified to deliver it, are concerned about the claim that it makes on what they see as a crowded timetable and are concerned about workload implications. A minority regard the subject as an unwelcome addition to the curriculum with some school leaders apparently resistant to implementing it in their school.

see: [1] for the Citizenship Foundation's submission.

[edit] Citizenship Education for new citizens

Education intended to prepare noncitizens to become legally and social accepted as citizens is carried out by a variety of governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGO). It has generally been free of charge.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, government programs prepared immigrants to take citizenship exams or qualify for citizenship. Many corporations, most prominently Ford, offered similar programs to their employees and families of their employees. In addition, various charities also provided this service.

In the UK in 2002, David Blunkett introduced a series of proposals where immigrants would take a US style "Citizenship Exam" and swear a pledge of allegiance before they could be granted British nationality. Before being given a passport, you must read "Life in the UK" (a book preparing immigrants for the test) and sit a 45-minute test on British society, history and culture.

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