If so, Citizenship Education is about empowering you, your classmates and young people across the country, to develop a better understanding of the way decisions are made, the law, rights and responsibilities identity and diversity. In Citizenship lessons young people are encouraged to develop the skills and confidence to play an active role in a changing society, to make a difference and
'Be the change…'

'I think Citizenship is important as it teaches us all about the important things in life.'
Comment made by a young person at LBBD Children and Young Peoples Conference March 2008

Citizenship Education is the newest of all National Curriculum subjects.

In Primary Schools Citizenship Education is part of the Personal Social Health Education programme (PSHE). During Key stage 1 and 2 children are provided with opportunities through the PSHE and Citizenship framework to

Develop confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities
Prepare to play an active role as citizens
Develop a healthy, safer lifestyle
Develop good relationships and respect the differences between people

In Secondary Schools Citizenship has been a statutory foundation subject since September 2002.

This means it has to be taught, just like History or Geography.

During Key stage 3 and 4 and post 16 education Citizenship lessons encourage young people to explore the following key concepts.

Democracy and Justice
Rights and Responsibilities
Identities and Diversity

These things should be taught by developing the key processes of

Critical thinking and enquiry
Advocacy and representation
Taking informed and responsible action

This means that Citizenship Education should have opportunities for active Citizenship, for young people to be actively involved in making a positive difference for both themselves and people around them. Good Citizenship Education encourages young people to have a voice, to participate in debates, work collaboratively, take action, work with a range of people from the local and wider community and reflect on what they have learned.

Opportunities for Citizenship education will differ in different schools. In some schools Citizenship is a separate subject, in others it is part of the Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) programme. Some schools offer students the opportunity to gain a GCSE short course qualification while others have a range of enrichment opportunities which encourage students to play an active role in the life of their schools, neighbourhoods, communities and wider society as active and global citizens.

Citizenship Education- why is it important?

Citizenship Education was introduced to equip young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life.

Through Citizenship Education young people are encouraged to take an interest in topical and controversial issues and learn to take part in decision-making and different forms of action.

Citizenship encourages respect for different national, religious and ethnic identities. It provides opportunities for young people to engage critically with and explore diverse ideas, beliefs, cultures and identities and the values we share as citizens in the United Kingdom.