Citizenship Policy

Purpose

This policy provides an overview of how citizenship is embedded within the curriculum and through the wider life of the school and:

• outlines the philosophy, principles and practice of the planning and delivery of citizenship
• focuses on the preparation of young people for political, social, economic, spiritual, cultural and educational participation in society
• serves as a record of the experiences offered and learning outcomes achieved
• offers a context and support for monitoring and evaluating
• describes progression from primary to secondary and onto the work place, Further and Higher Education.

Principles

The integration of citizenship has been devised to meet learners’ and society’s needs and is based on the four capacities from The Curriculum for Excellence.

Education for citizenship:

• follows the national 3-18 curriculum guidelines and is based on high quality and relevant content
• involves learners fully in collaborative and independent learning
• is based on learners actively involved, with their views and contributions valued
• provides and develops links between the school and the local national, and international community
• develops personal and social values and the ability to think for themselves
• develops awareness of political, social and cultural issues
• offers an understanding of rights and responsibilities
• promotes respect for different cultures and beliefs
• promotes an awareness of environmental issues
• develops the capacity to collaborate, work in teams, be creative and enterprising, where learners communicate their own viewpoints which are evidence-based
• develops confident, responsible and enlightened learners
• offers experiences for learners to achieve success

Changes to the programme of citizenship development will be based on well-considered rationale, involving consultation with stakeholders and monitored and evaluated for impact on learning