Democracy and justice

Citizenship

Secondary

The Conservatives feature in a pre-election debate on education

The Conservatives come under scrutiny in this pre-election debate series which challenges MPs from the three main political parties on their education pledges. Tory Shadow Minister for Schools, Nick Gibb MP, takes the hot seat and faces questions from a panel of school staff to discover what the party is promising to do in education if it is elected, in a debate hosted by journalist Mike Baker. The panel is made up of award winners from the field of education; headteacher of the year in a London school, Catherine Myers, primary teacher of the year Steve Mills, teaching assistant of the year Trish Gribble, and governor of the year Spyros Elia.

Conservative

  A look at the often subjective nature of anti-social behaviour  

An exploration into the subjective nature of anti-social behaviour and the relationship between ASBOs and the Respect Agenda. Anti-social behaviour is a notoriously difficult subject to teach and can become a patronising sermon on morality and justice. But David Coulson-Lowe, a teacher from Caldew School in Cumbria, transforms the subject into an empowering and considered look at citizenship, politics and the legal system. The programme opens with a disturbing glimpse of the darker side of anti-social behaviour and works towards a rational perspective on a difficult subject.

KS3/4 Citizenship - Anti Social Behaviour & ASBOs

Using the prison service to support citizenship teaching

Citizenship is a subject that many teachers countrywide are finding a challenge to deliver effectively. This programme takes a look at how Clifton School are enhancing their citizenship curriculum by working with outside organisations including the prison service. The programme follows events on a Crime and Safety Awareness Day organised by the Prison Me No-Way Trust, where community organisations deliver a variety of workshops to Year 8 at the school. Crime and Punishment: Prison should be of use to all teachers coming to grips with the citizenship curriculum who want to make the most of working with outside agencies. The focus is on three workshops: <ul> <li>A realistic view of prison life presented by the prison service</li> <li>An interactive role-play on the consequences of antisocial behaviour</li> <li>The youth offending service works to raise awareness of the legality of certain activities</li> </ul> An expert is also on hand to offer his comments and advice.

KS3/4 Citizenship - Crime and Punishment: Prison

 Enhancing citizenship teaching with a mock court trial 

Involving pupils in team activities like the national Mock Court Trial competition can enhance your citizenship teaching and their understanding of the subject. In this programme, citizenship coordinator Sue Cornwell from Wetherby High School leads a team of pupils through the regional final stage of the national Mock Court Trial competition. We see the team's preparations and performance on the day of the competition at Leeds Magistrates' Court. The pupils take on the different roles of those involved in the court room and are encouraged through the process to develop an understanding of how the legal system works, and how to recognise opposing arguments from both sides. The programme looks at: <ul> <li>Wetherby's early preparations guided by their teachers</li> <li>A visit from local magistrate Anthony Mulvaney to provide advice</li> <li>The action from the big day itself when the team go to court</li> </ul> This lesson should prove of interest to teachers keen to find out more about the effectiveness of such external experiences and how to recreate some of the benefits in the classroom.

KS3/4 Citizenship - Crime and Punishment: Trial

How and why does a young person receive an ASBO?

This programme, designed for use in the classroom, helps students to learn more about ASBOs and the criminal justice process. Featured in the programme is Dan. We gain an insight into his story, from his childhood through to an exposure to both car crime and drug abuse which lead towards his ASBO. For many this road can further disengage them from society, but Dan demonstrates how the criminal justice system - together with supportive agencies ? can help to bring young people back from the edge.

KS3/4 Citizenship - Dan's ASBO

A look at pupil engagement in political ideas     

In this programme a teacher explores the idea of campaigning to see how engaged students might be if presented with political ideas that engage with their lives. Young people are increasingly failing to vote and, it appears, are disenchanted with governments, but does that mean that they are uncaring or unpoliticised citizens? Ullswater College's John Sander teaches a Year 10 lesson looking at campaigns around voting at the age of 16, participating in the UK Youth Parliament scheme, whale conservation and sustainable tourism in the Lake District. The programme also looks at how Ullswater College attempts to reflect democratic principles within the institution itself.

KS3/4 Citizenship - Engaging with Democracy

Three inspiring stories from young people

Three inspiring stories from young people determined to get their voices heard. Somalian born refugee Hodan Addawe, was sent alone to England for safety, education and the chance of a better life. Hodan wanted what most children would want, for her parents to be with her. A teacher from City Academy Bristol recognised her needs and suggested she might try and campaign for their entry in the UK. Can a young child really be expected to take on central government and win? Also in this programme, a playwright and a group of actors explore citizenship and democracy with humour, wit and intelligence; while in the last story a group of surfers challenge the way the local council and water authorities manage our natural resources.

KS3/4 Citizenship - My World, My Democracy

Labour features in this election debate about education policy

Labour Minister of State for Schools and Learners, Vernon Coaker MP, comes under scrutiny in this pre-election debate series which challenges MPs from the three main political parties on their education pledges. Vernon takes the hot seat and faces questions from a panel of school staff to discover what his party is promising to do in education if it is elected, in a debate hosted by journalist Mike Baker. One-to-one tuition for those falling behind in English and maths, the kitemark system for successful schools, and compulsory education until age 18, are all discussed. The panel is made up of award winners from the field of education; headteacher of the year in a London school, Catherine Myers, primary teacher of the year Steve Mills, teaching assistant of the year Trish Gribble, and governor of the year Spyros Elia.

Labour

The Liberal Democrats feature in an election debate on education

Baroness Walmsley - Liberal Democrat Spokesperson in the Lords for Children, Schools and Families, comes under scrutiny in this pre-election debate series which challenges MPs from the three main political parties on their education pledges. Joan takes the hot seat and is questioned over the pledges her party has made, including the pupil premium, class sizes and the Education Standards Authority. She faces questions from a panel of school staff, in a debate hosted by journalist Mike Baker. The panel is made up of award winners from the field of education; headteacher of the year in a London school, Catherine Myers, primary teacher of the year Steve Mills, teaching assistant of the year Trish Gribble, and governor of the year Spyros Elia.

Liberal Democrats

Cherie Booth helps two teachers plan a lesson on cyber bullying

In this programme, two teachers use their new found understanding of human rights to plan lessons on the issue of cyber bullying. Like many teachers Simon and Lee, from Erith Secondary School in Kent, have a firm grasp of human rights but need help understanding how these values are implemented into UK law and how they can use this knowledge in their lessons. Cherie Booth QC, an expert in human rights litigation, guides the pair as they grapple with the concepts, lending her support both in and out of the classroom. The programme is part of a series which sees six teachers from across the key stages who want to develop a fuller understanding of human rights and the law. Ms Booth, works with the teachers to expand their legal literacy and knowledge of rights and legal processes.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

Subjects

> Secondary Citizenship

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