Citizenship

“Citizenship equips pupils with the knowledge and skills needed for effective and democratic participation.  It helps pupils to become informed, critical, active citizens who have the confidence to work collaboratively, take action and try to make a difference in their communities and the wider world.”                                                                                                                                                                                           
                                                                            The importance of citizenship, National Curriculum 2007

Citizenship education aims to give students the skills, knowledge and understanding to become informed, active and responsible citizens.  It helps students to develop as members of their school, their local community, their country and the world and is concerned with issues of right and wrong, rights and responsibilities, fairness and diversity.

Citizenship teaches about the concepts of democracy, justice, equality, freedom, authority and the rule of law.  It aims to foster in students the skills and aptitudes of critical thinking, analysing information, expressing opinions, taking an active part in discussions and debates, negotiating conflict resolution and participating in community action.

The hope is that students develop into citizens with a respect for justice, democracy and the law; openness, tolerance and the courage to defend a point of view; and a willingness to listen to, work with and stand up for others.