02/07/2003
Ofsted calls for better standards in citizenship
Many schools need to do more to ensure effective planning and implementation of the subject, says a report published by the Office for Standards in Education today.
A significant proportion of the 25 schools inspected for the report National Curriculum citizenship: planning and implementation 2002/03 have not understood the full implications of citizenship as a National Curriculum subject, and this has resulted in an often low-key response to the citizenship initiative.
Implementation has generally been most effective when a strong lead from senior management has given the subject the necessary status and profile. However, despite the two years' notice before citizenship was made a statutory subject in September 2002, many of the schools in this sample have not done enough to incorporate citizenship development into policy and planning.
Inspectors found that schools have been most successful in developing National Curriculum citizenship where they have regarded it as something new, even though parts of their existing curricula may have already promoted good citizenship. However, many schools confused National Curriculum citizenship with the 'cross-curricular themes and dimensions' approach of the early 1990s, or with a general use of the word 'citizenship' to summarise their aspirations and ethos.
The citizenship curriculum is well developed in a minority of schools. There is also some very good teaching, although overall the quality varies widely.
Publishing the report, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell said: "There is a wide consensus in schools, in Parliament and the wider community that citizenship is a positive addition to the National Curriculum. While this support was generally evident in the schools we visited, some are not clear about the aims of this subject and its place in the curriculum. As a result, many schools have not planned and implemented the introduction of this subject as well as they might have."
(GMcG)
A significant proportion of the 25 schools inspected for the report National Curriculum citizenship: planning and implementation 2002/03 have not understood the full implications of citizenship as a National Curriculum subject, and this has resulted in an often low-key response to the citizenship initiative.
Implementation has generally been most effective when a strong lead from senior management has given the subject the necessary status and profile. However, despite the two years' notice before citizenship was made a statutory subject in September 2002, many of the schools in this sample have not done enough to incorporate citizenship development into policy and planning.
Inspectors found that schools have been most successful in developing National Curriculum citizenship where they have regarded it as something new, even though parts of their existing curricula may have already promoted good citizenship. However, many schools confused National Curriculum citizenship with the 'cross-curricular themes and dimensions' approach of the early 1990s, or with a general use of the word 'citizenship' to summarise their aspirations and ethos.
The citizenship curriculum is well developed in a minority of schools. There is also some very good teaching, although overall the quality varies widely.
Publishing the report, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools David Bell said: "There is a wide consensus in schools, in Parliament and the wider community that citizenship is a positive addition to the National Curriculum. While this support was generally evident in the schools we visited, some are not clear about the aims of this subject and its place in the curriculum. As a result, many schools have not planned and implemented the introduction of this subject as well as they might have."
(GMcG)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 January 2005
Schools inspector calls for better citizenship teaching
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, has called for an improvement in the quality of citizenship teaching in schools. Recent evidence, provided by education regulator, Ofsted, revealed that citizenship teaching, which became a statutory requirement in schools two years ago, was the worst taught subject at secondary level.
Schools inspector calls for better citizenship teaching
The Chief Inspector of Schools, David Bell, has called for an improvement in the quality of citizenship teaching in schools. Recent evidence, provided by education regulator, Ofsted, revealed that citizenship teaching, which became a statutory requirement in schools two years ago, was the worst taught subject at secondary level.
25 January 2007
History to teach 'British' values
Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said that pupils need to learn history to understand "British values." In new-style classes teenagers will learn an understanding of core British values at the heart of Citizenship teaching lessons emphasising the importance of history to "Britishness".
History to teach 'British' values
Education Secretary Alan Johnson has said that pupils need to learn history to understand "British values." In new-style classes teenagers will learn an understanding of core British values at the heart of Citizenship teaching lessons emphasising the importance of history to "Britishness".
10 September 2015
Schools Minister Launches GSCE And A Levels Revisions Consultation
Schools Minister Nick Gibb has announced a new consultation is to be held on further revised subject content for GCSE and A Levels. The proposed revisions are for six GCSE subjects and nine A levels. If approved the plans will be introduced in 2017.
Schools Minister Launches GSCE And A Levels Revisions Consultation
Schools Minister Nick Gibb has announced a new consultation is to be held on further revised subject content for GCSE and A Levels. The proposed revisions are for six GCSE subjects and nine A levels. If approved the plans will be introduced in 2017.
08 July 2013
Government Announces New Curriculum
A new national curriculum is to be introduced in state schools in England, the government have announced, saying that the changes will help the school system "catch up" with the world's best. While the Prime Minister called the changes a "revolution in education", the move has received a mix response from others.
Government Announces New Curriculum
A new national curriculum is to be introduced in state schools in England, the government have announced, saying that the changes will help the school system "catch up" with the world's best. While the Prime Minister called the changes a "revolution in education", the move has received a mix response from others.
01 February 2007
PE lessons to teach pupils about healthy lifestyles
The government has announced plans to change PE lessons in order to help children avoid the problems of obesity. Under the plans, announced by Education Secretary Alan Johnson at the annual National Sports College Conference in Telford, lessons will combine physical activity with learning how exercise affects fitness and health.
PE lessons to teach pupils about healthy lifestyles
The government has announced plans to change PE lessons in order to help children avoid the problems of obesity. Under the plans, announced by Education Secretary Alan Johnson at the annual National Sports College Conference in Telford, lessons will combine physical activity with learning how exercise affects fitness and health.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.