Political impartiality in Citizenship - A guide for secondary schools in England
Whole school policies • Sensitive & Controversial Issues • Pedagogy
Political impartiality in Citizenship – A guide for secondary schools in England
Our young people need to gain experience of considering and debating current political issues, as well as learning about how our political system works. But how do we do this in a way that maintains political impartiality and avoids bias?
This guide provides information and advice to help schools achieve this essential balance. Drawing on national best practice, current legislation and Department for Education (DfE) guidance, it:
- explores the place of political education in Citizenship as part of a broad, balanced curriculum
- considers the importance of political impartiality in teaching
- outlines the law and DfE guidance in relation to impartiality
- explores the relationship between political education and young people’s rights
- provides practical advice on teaching political and controversial issues, with guidance on how to remain impartial, including a checklist of key points
- provides a model Impartiality School Policy
- suggests further reading
Who is this guide for?
This guide will be useful for:
- school leaders
- Citizenship leads and teachers (specialist and non-specialist)
- governors
- parents
