In this article Lee Jerome, Associate professor of Education, reports on an interview with Liz Moorse, Chief Executive of Act, about the activities of Democratic Life, which has played an instrumental role in bringing about this change in fortune.
The 'Having a Say' Citizenship resources have been developed by ACT with support from the Historical Association, the Cabinet Office and the Government Equalities Office. They form part of a wider set of history and Citizenship resources to celebrate 100 years of votes for women.
The First News ACTive Citizenship Award Scheme provides: An award scheme to celebrate and acknowledge positive changes children are making in their communities; A toolkit to support, engage and empower children to become change makers, and to lead action on real issues they are concerned and passionate about; and curriculum guidance for teachers; A media platform, through First News, for children to report and share the changes they are making. Get your teacher and pupil toolkits.
Jamie Kelsey-Fry, author of the Rax Active Citizenship Toolkit, has outlined an overall approach to encouraging active citizenship, focusing specifically on how to work with the media. This is helpful when teaching about Active Citizenship as well as climate change.
The ‘Make it Happen!’ Social Action Toolkit is designed for use by learners with activities and tips for organising successful social action undertaken as part of their citizenship curriculum.
Following much debate and discussion, DfE has finally produced new guidance called 'Promoting fundamental British values as part of SMSC in schools'. The guidance applies to all maintained schools and is a response to the so-called Trojan Horse cases and concern by DfE and Ofsted regarding the requirement to prepare pupils for life in modern Britain. ACT is pleased to see the guidance published but is disappointed that though there are clear links to Citizenship and SMSC and Citizenship teaching and learning, there is no specific reference to the subject.
