Citizenship education
Responsible citizenship is one of the four capacities of a Curriculum for Excellence. The strategies for learning and teaching education for citizenship develop in learners the ability to take up their place in society as responsible, successful, effective and confident citizens, both now and in the future.
In Scotland, we do not have a new subject or curricular area called citizenship. Instead, all subjects will make their relevance to education for citizenship explicit. The purposes and issues associated with citizenship will be developed through whole-school and cross-curricular activities.
Raising awareness of important issues facing communities now and in the future is an important part of this education. These issues include human rights, sustainable development, peace and conflict resolution, social equality and appreciation of diversity.
Much of education for citizenship can take place through learning and teaching within specific curricular areas and subjects through the stages from 3-18. Pupils will learn respect for others and have a commitment to participate responsibly in society, while developing a knowledge of the world and Scotland's place in it.
Citizenship in the early years curriculum
Education for citizenship relates to much of the work done with very young children through play, giving them the opportunity to exercise their rights and responsibilities in an educational setting.
Citizenship in the primary curriculum
Citizenship offers young people the opportunity to participate in decision making across all areas of the primary curriculum and to take responsibility for their learning.
Citizenship in the secondary curriculum
Education for citizenship assumes a new significance post-14, when young people confront many of the issues associated with independent living.
Educational & Social Services