'Citizenship' is the school subject area in which Local Lawyers in Schools best sits, in fact the session materials are mapped on to the Citizenship curriculum.  Citizenship education became part of the secondary school National Curriculum in England in 2002, and it aims to equip young people with the skills, knowledge and understanding to pay effective roles in the society around them.  Citizenship encourages students to take an interest in topical and controversial issues by engaging in discussion and debates.  Pupils learn about their rights and responsibilities; their duties and freedoms; and about laws, justice and democracy.

What does it cover?
What skills and characteristics should citizens have?
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What does it cover?

Citizenship education involves a wide range of different elements of learning, including:

• knowledge and understanding: e.g. about topics such as laws and rules, the democratic process, the media, human rights, diversity, money and the economy, sustainable development and world as a global community; and about concepts, such as democracy, justice, equality, freedom, authority and the rule of law;
• skills and aptitudes: e.g. critical thinking, analysing information, expressing opinions, taking part in discussions and debates, negotiating, conflict resolution and participating in community action;
• values and dispositions: e.g. respect for justice, democracy and the rule of law, openness, tolerance, courage to defend a point of view, and a willingness to listen to, work with and stand up for others.

The most effective form of learning in citizenship education is:

• active: emphasises learning by doing;
• interactive: uses discussion and debate;
• relevant: focuses on real-life issues facing young people and society;
• critical: encourages young people to think for themselves;
• collaborative: employs group work and co-operative learning;
• participative: gives young people a say in their own learning.

What skills and characteristics should citizens have?

Different characteristics are required by citizens in different types of political system. The characteristics required of people living as free and equal citizens in a democratic society differ significantly from those of people living under, say, a totalitarian regime.

Democracies depend upon citizens who, among other things, are:

• aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens
• informed about the social and political world
• concerned about the welfare of others
• articulate in their opinions and arguments
• capable of having an influence on the world
• active in their communities
• responsible in how they act as citizens.

Citizenship education aims to equip people with these skills and capabilities.

 

 

 

 

 

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