House of Lords Questions Highlight Urgency of Strengthening Citizenship
As we near the release of recommendations from the Curriculum and Assessment review, urgent questions are still being raised in parliament
On 5 February 2025, the House of Lords engaged in a pertinent discussion regarding the future of Citizenship education in the context of proposed changes to the voting age. The questions highlight the urgency of strengthening Citizenship education in schools. Lord Wallace of Saltaire posed a question to the government, inquiring about potential modifications to Citizenship education in schools to accompany the proposal to lower the voting age to 16.
In response, Baroness Smith of Malvern, Minister of State for Education, acknowledged the central role that teaching about democracy and elections plays in the national curriculum for Citizenship at key stages 3 and 4. She emphasised that the government will consider the Citizenship curriculum within the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review and recognised the potential of lowering the voting age to enhance young people’s engagement with democracy.
This dialogue underscores the critical importance of Citizenship education in preparing young people for active participation in democratic processes. The Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT) has consistently advocated for a robust and comprehensive Citizenship curriculum. In our response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, we highlighted four key priorities:
- Reaffirming Citizenship in the National Curriculum: Ensuring that Citizenship remains a statutory subject, providing all students with the knowledge and skills to engage effectively in society.
- Establishing Universal Access: Guaranteeing that every student, from primary through post-16 education, has access to high-quality Citizenship education.
- Retaining and Enhancing GCSE Citizenship Studies: Maintaining and strengthening the GCSE in Citizenship Studies to offer students a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and rights.
- Creating Clear Curriculum Progression: Developing a coherent curriculum that includes essential topics such as democracy, human rights, and media literacy.
The recent parliamentary discussion aligns with ACT’s ongoing efforts to emphasise the necessity of equipping young people with the tools to navigate complex societal issues. As debates continue around lowering the voting age, it becomes increasingly vital to ensure that our education system adequately prepares students for the responsibilities of public life.
ACT remains committed to collaborating with educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to strengthen Citizenship education, fostering a generation of informed and engaged citizens ready to contribute positively to society.
