Citizenship

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About

Quality Citizenship education develops knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils need to play a full part in society as active and responsible citizens. In schools where Citizenship is embedded as a curriculum subject, pupils are taught about democracy, politics, parliament and voting as well as human rights, justice, media literacy, the law and the economy. They are also taught the skills of active citizenship through practical opportunities to address issues of concern to them. Teaching is brought to life using real issues, case studies, people and events in local to global contexts.

To establish the conditions in which to develop outstanding citizenship teaching and learning, schools should consider and address the following key principles of a high quality Citizenship developed by the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT).

Principle 1

‍Consider the contexts and backgrounds of all pupils and any issues that will be particularly sensitive or controversial for them.

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Principle 2

‍Establish what pupils know, understand and can do and use information about pupils to plan rigorous, responsive and challenging citizenship teaching and learning that meets national policy requirements and is appropriate in pitch and challenge for pupils.

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Principle 3

‍Focus teaching and learning on developing pupils’ understanding of citizenship concepts, knowledge, understanding and skills and their use and application of these, as the essential foundations of high quality citizenship education.

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Principle 4

‍Use a range of types of teaching and learning activities that promote deep learning in relation to citizenship concepts and skills including active citizenship.

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Principle 5

‍Make use of topical and controversial issues and debates to bring citizenship teaching to life in a safe and secure learning environment.

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Principle 6‍

Provide opportunities for pupils to take part in individual and group work, both in and beyond the classroom, where appropriate with members of the local and wider community.

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Principle 7.

‍Look for appropriate opportunities to make connections between citizenship and other curriculum subjects and wider curriculum activities and be sure to establish clear citizenship objectives and outcomes where such connections are made.

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Principle 8.‍

Set high expectations in citizenship with clear learning intentions and success criteria, as the basis of good teacher assessment.

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Principle 9

‍Create a range of ways to recognise, celebrate and share pupils’ achievements within the school, with parents and the wider community.

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Professional Communities

The subject association for Citizenship is called the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT). ACT offers professional development, training and networking opportunities, and develops high quality teaching materials including an academic journal ‘Teaching Citizenship’. ACT also advocates for the subject, supports subject research, and offers strategic policy advice.

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The Twitter community is a space for ongoing discussions and idea sharing around the subject. For Citizenship it is worth following the ACT on Twitter and the hashtags #TeachingCitizenship #CitizenshipEducation #CitizenshipStudies (for GCSE).

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Citizenship