re-engaging with citizenship in schools nut national education conference july 2013
TRANSCRIPT
Re-engaging with Citizenship in Schools
NUTNational Education
ConferenceJuly 2013
David Kerr
Director of Education
Citizenship Foundation
Visiting Professor of Citizenship
Birkbeck College
University of [email protected]
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 schools
2002 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 4
2013 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 slides
1. 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 Education
Citizenship Foundationemail: [email protected]: 020 7566 775950 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8RTwww.citizenshipfoundation.org.uk
Any questions?
Thank you