Westminster Hall Debate Highlights the Vital Role of Citizenship Education
The debate emphasised the pressing need to re-prioritise Citizenship, echoing the objectives of ACT’s Make Space for Citizenship campaign
On November 20, 2024, a Westminster Hall debate shone a spotlight on the critical importance of teaching government and democracy in schools. The discussion, led by John Slinger MP, explored how Citizenship education equips young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage actively in democracy and society. The debate emphasised the pressing need to re-prioritise Citizenship in the curriculum, echoing the objectives of ACT’s Make Space for Citizenship campaign.
Key Highlights from the Debate
John Slinger MP made a compelling case for the value of Citizenship education, quoting ACT’s submission to the DfE Curriculum and Assessment Review: “Citizenship education fosters critical competencies, such as information evaluation, deliberation, advocacy, and oracy, which are vital for civic engagement.”
He went on to stress that re-prioritising Citizenship in the upcoming review is vital, as it contributes directly to the health of national democracy: “These changes are about more than curriculum rejuvenation… If made, they can play a significant part in a democratic rejuvenation in our country.”
Slinger also highlighted the diminishing focus on Citizenship in schools, citing its exclusion from the English Baccalaureate as a significant setback: “A big concern is the increasingly limited time given to Citizenship and, therefore, politics.”
He underscored the importance of embedding Citizenship across all stages of education, noting that starting young helps cultivate a deeper understanding of democracy.
Reflecting on his school visits, Slinger celebrated the enthusiasm of students who are eager to learn about democracy, quoting a student from Paddox Primary School: “Learning about democracy at school helps you to express your opinions and teaches you about wider topics related to what is going on in the world.”
Another standout moment came from Catherine McKinnell, Minister for School Standards, who acknowledged the success of ACT’s Parallel Election Project. The project, delivered in partnership with schools such as The Petersfield School, gave nearly 30,000 students hands-on experience of the democratic process during the 2024 General Election. The Minister praised the initiative for its role in teaching active citizenship through real-world learning: “It mirrored a real election, from analysing party manifestos to voter registration, hustings, and elections, helping students understand the practical workings of democracy.”
The Minister also referenced the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review, noting the opportunity to ensure that young people develop the skills needed to thrive as active citizens throughout their lives. She reiterated the Government’s commitment to high standards in schools and the vital role of Citizenship in promoting critical thinking, communication, and democratic engagement.
ACT’s Make Space for Citizenship Campaign
The debate aligns closely with ACT’s Make Space for Citizenship campaign, which calls for a renewed focus on Citizenship as a core, statutory subject in schools. The campaign advocates for embedding Citizenship education throughout all key stages, training specialist teachers, and ensuring all students have access to GCSE Citizenship Studies.
Slinger concluded his remarks with an inspiring call to action, quoting one of his young constituents:
“Democracy isn’t just something we learn from a textbook; it’s a lesson we live every day... shaping the next generations of democratic society.”
Quote by a young person from John Slinger MP's constituency.
Looking Ahead
ACT welcomes the recognition of Citizenship education in this debate and urges policymakers to seize the opportunity presented by the Curriculum and Assessment Review. By prioritising Citizenship, we can equip young people to navigate complex societal challenges, engage with confidence, and shape a vibrant, inclusive democracy.
As the Curriculum Review progresses, ACT encourages educators and supporters of Citizenship education to make their voices heard. You can read our summary response and guidance for submitting your own evidence on the link below. The call for evidence deadline is 22 November 2024.
