Re-engaging with Citizenship in Schools

NUTNational Education

ConferenceJuly 2013

David Kerr Director of EducationCitizenship Foundation

Visiting Professor of CitizenshipBirkbeck CollegeUniversity of Londondavid.kerr@citizenshipfoundation.org.uk

Aims of this presentation…1. To set the scene concerning

Citizenship in the National Curriculum

2. To review the proposed NC programmes of study for Citizenship

3. Provide information and evidence to encourage re-engagement with Citizenship in schools

1997 Schools White Paper - advisory group on citizenship

1998 Advisory group report published (Crick report)2001 NfER Longitudinal Study on citizenship begins

2002 NC Citizenship first teaching in schools2002 GCSE Citizenship Studies (short course) - first teaching

2004 National guidance for post -16 citizenship

2006 Select Committee Inquiry into impact of citizenship

2007 Revised NC for citizenship published, 8 level scale

2008 A level for Citizenship Studies

2009 GCSE Citizenship Studies (full course) - first teaching

2010 NfER Longitudinal Study on citizenship final report

2012 NC Expert Group recommends downgrading of citizenship

2013 Gove retains Citizenship in NC at KSs3 and 42013 New Citizenship Progs of Study for KSs3 and 4 published

Citizenship: Key developments

Policy Aims of NC Citizenship

Social + moral responsibility

Political literacy

New strand - Identity + diversity

Community involvement

Three contexts for developing Citizenship

Curriculum (classroom)

Wider communities(community)

School community(culture)

What to address in the three contexts

CurriculumCore knowledge

Key skillsControversial issues

School communityParticipation

Decision-makingVoice and leadership

Teamwork

Wider communities

ParticipationDecision-making

Big issuesEngagement with

adults

Major period of change in education

Change in Citizenship• Retention as NC subject KS3 and KS4• Revised programmes of study• No proposed change at primary• GCSE Cit Studies under review• A and AS level Cit under review• Numbers for Cit holding in ITT• New Ofsted lead for Cit

Citizenship remains in National Curriculum

‘Citizenship will remain a programme of study at key stages three and four and I look forward to… ensure that this valuable subject is even better taught in more of our schools‘

Michael GoveSecretary of State for Education

New Policy Aims of Citizenship

Knowledge and understanding of United Kingdom

Knowledge and understanding of law and laws

Equipped with financial skills to manage money

Interest in and commitment to volunteering

Citizenship KS3 and KS4Purpose of Study

A high-quality citizenship education helps to provide pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them to play a full and active part in society. In particular, citizenship education should foster pupils’ keen awareness of how the United Kingdom is governed and how its laws are made and upheld. It should also prepare pupils to take their place in society as responsible citizens by providing them with the skills and knowledge to manage their money well and make sound financial decisions.

Challenges• Making up for lost ground/time• Creating demand and supply in schools• Gaining SLT access and support• Keeping abreast of developments• Maintaining networks/ sharing

intelligence• Accessing Cit co-ordinators/teachers• Developing new thinking/ approaches

Curriculum Change - Support• Teachers will need new resources and

content • DfE will provide far less central CPD -

schools will need to provide internally or purchase

• DfE says “Don’t’ assume it is going to be as before”. Schools are going to find it very different and will need support from suppliers and external sources

Why citizenship educationin secondary schools?

Key arguments and actionsfor senior managers

Citizenship Foundation, June 2013

Aims of these slides1. Set out the key reasons for effective

development of citizenship education policy and practice

2. Detail actions you need to take now for citizenship education in your school

3. Explain where and how citizenship education should be developed in schools

4. Highlight the benefits and impacts of effective citizenship education in schools.

Citizenship education can…• Raise school standards and student achievement• Improve behaviour and reduce exclusions• Empower students through real decision-making

and consultation in and beyond school• Fulfil statutory obligations for the National

Curriculum, SMSC and Ofsted • Strengthen the school as a living community by

improving student relations• Enable students to understand and engage with

big, controversial issues

• Strengthen transition from KS2 to KS3• Deliver distinctive, core curriculum knowledge

about politics, law, economy and active citizenship

• Develop key skills that employers want (such as leadership and teamwork)

• Improve links to other initiatives (International School Awards, Rights Schools etc)

• Strengthen links between curriculum and school culture

• Strengthen partnerships with wider communities• Better prepare students for adult life beyond

school.

Citizenship education can…

Take immediate action

You need to…1. Re-engage with citizenship in your school2. Know where to get appropriate training and

support3. Provide strong, visible SLT support 4. Review the school’s vision, ethos and

development plan in line with the new National Curriculum aims and citizenship Programmes of Study (including new statutory financial education)

5. Amend policy and approaches to fit National Curriculum requirements and meet Ofsted expectations

6. Review how it is approached and interconnected in the three contexts:• Curriculum: discrete, ex-curricular, dropdown, etc• School community: participation, voice and leadership• Wider community: links, projects and exchanges

7. Ensure senior leadership and governor support 8. Make sure you have a strong, qualified

citizenship co-ordinator who is well respected9. Check staff are adequately trained and resourced

to deliver effective practice in school (both in curriculum subjects and school life)

You need to…

10.Make certain there are rigorous assessment approaches (formative and summative)

11.Check that appropriate monitoring and evaluation is in place for each of the ‘three contexts’

12.Ensure students are well informed about approaches in the school and are actively involved

13.Ensure parents and community representatives are informed about approaches in and beyond the school.

You need to…

citizenship is a journey not a destination Hastings

the devil is always in the detailCrick

David Kerr – Director of EducationCitizenship Foundationemail: david.kerr@citizenshipfoundation.org.uktel: 020 7566 775950 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8RTwww.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk

Any questions?

Thank you