Free Guide to Curriculum Changes
The announcement last week was good news for citizenship studies as Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Education, confirmed that the subject will remain part of the new National Curriculum. Responding to a question from David Blunkett MP, Mr Gove said, ” I can absolutely and with pleasure confirm...
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Cameron's EU referendum promise
In his speech on Britain's historical position in European politics, Cameron attempted to make a case that the country was better off in the EU - but only if there is substantial reform in Brussels. He promised that if other European leaders met his demands, he would lead the campaign to keep Britain...
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Parliament Education Service offers Teacher Training
Parliament’s Education Service works with schools and Members of both Houses to support young people in developing their understanding of Parliament and democracy. The service offers a wide variety of educational opportunities for students ages 7-18, and training for teachers and education professionals...
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Active Citizens FE facilitating EU educational visits
Active Citizens FE are delighted to be facilitating visits to Europe House, the London home of the UK Office of the European Parliament and European Commission. Find out more. See also our page of other useful Europe resources.
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Speak Out for Change project 2012-13 gets going
3 July 2012 Project partners met to share ideas and start planning for the Speak Out for Change project 2012-13 in London yesterday. It was a chance to reflect on progress made by last year's project partners and clarify arrangements for involving foundation level learners in developing public speaking...
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Government plans decade of social action for young people
Government plans 'decade of social action' for young people – Plans are being launched to look at mapping out a social action journey which will point young people from the ages of 10 - 20 to opportunities such as the Scouts, Cadets, National Citizen Service (NCS) or the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, which...
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ACFE receives funding for citizenship and public speaking project
ACFE is pleased to announce that we have been awarded funding by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to manage the 'Speak out for Change' project. The project aims to engage foundation level learners in real public speaking opportunities linked to citizenship learning. Through a range of models which include...
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A real voice?
Learner involvement is all about giving learners ownership, listening to their views and helping them to have a say. But how do you measure this and ensure that voices really do get heard? Estyn, the Welsh Inspectorate, has published a report that shows that measuring impact still has some way to go...
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Ministers announce spending on National Citizens Service
Following the announcement of results of the Government's flagship 'Big Society' pilot of the National Citizens Service, a further £156m is pledged to extend the programme over the next two years. Ministers were keen to highlight the value for money the scheme offers, drawing on research that suggests...
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March 8 International Women's Day
The first International Women’s Day was celebrated in the United States in 1909 to honour the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York. Since then, IWD has been celebrated in many countries around the world with events focused on improving rights, working conditions, and opportunities for women. In...
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Global in action- new City and Guilds qualification on global citizenship developed by South Notts College and People and Planet
A new FE Global Citizenship qualification ( at Level 2 and 3) and resources have been developed by South Nottingham College with People & Planet. Two events are being held to launch it and to show case the resources and website. These will take place as follows: Tuesday 29 May 2012 – Nottingham...
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Looking ahead: what does the future hold for citizenship education?
It is likely that the citizenship curriculum will lose its national prescription. So how do we ensure the next generation of citizens gets the civic education it needs? Our new paper Curriculum Thinking defines the essential elements of citizenship education and sets out five principles for effective...
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Schools should teach more citizenship and start it earlier, says Stephen Twigg
Shadow Education Secretary Stephen Twigg has told the Citizenship Foundation that citizenship education should be 'more central rather than less' to school curriculums. The government plans to relegate citizenship to the Basic Curriculum. Asked what he thought of this, Mr Twigg said: 'I think it's a...
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National Student Money Week (NSMW), Monday 12 - Friday 16 March 2012
The first ever NSMW took place in March 2011, organised and co-ordinated by the National Association of Student Money Advisers (NASMA). You can read the review at www.nasma.org.uk/Student-Money-Week/NSMW-2011/. In 2011 we reached over 300,000 individuals, and we hope to build on that in 2012. NSMW came...
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Compete for the chance to be a chancellor
Citizenship Foundation’s Chance to be Chancellor competition gives 14-18 year olds a chance to create and defend their own budget for the nation! Young people take the challenge of stepping into the shoes of the Chancellor by making decisions on spending and taxation. Their decisions will form the Youth...
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Political awareness has increased among those who have had citizenship education says new study
Young people who have participated in compulsory citizenship education are more politically aware and sceptical of politicians' abilities to make a difference to big issues such as the economy and the environment, according to leading educational research charity the National Foundation for Educational...
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LSIS Learner voice regional spring networks 2012
LSIS are inviting practitioners in the sector to join a regional network for Learner Voice practitioners to share and develop effective practice. These meetings are held jointly with NUS and will explore co-productive ways of working. The regional networks will take place as follows: Region Date Venue...
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Choosing to Volunteer
This survey evaluates volunteering programmes located within a sample of schools, colleges, and youth and community settings. It reports on the experiences of the young people, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, who participate in volunteering programmes. Inspectors collected evidence...
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Curriculum Review published allied to announcement that curriculum changes pushed back to 2014
News from Association of Citizenship Teaching (ACT) Michael Gove has announced that the introduction of the next national curriculum will be delayed wholesale until 2014. The pushed-back timetable means that instead of introducing changes for English, maths, science and PE in 2013, the revised curriculums...
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HeadsUp Debate Topics for 2011-2012
HeadsUp is an online debating space for 11-18 year-olds, to enable young people to discuss their views on political issues with their peers and influential decision-makers. It aims to build levels of political awareness and participation so that young people can play an effective role in the democratic...
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Teaching Controversial and Sensitive Topics Event
Helping your pupils make sense of the world - teaching controversial and sensitive topics.
Wednesday 8 February 2012
9.30-16.30
Manchester
About the event
Terrorism, justice, the role of the media, human rights, truth, religion, torture…today’s pupils are growing...
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Parliament & Phone Hacking Event
Parliamentary Affairs Annual Lecture: Parliament & Phone Hacking Wednesday 18 January 2012
6:30pm
Macmillan Room
Portcullis House (Near Houses of Parliament, Westminster). Book now.
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Young people want to learn about the environment, Co-operative survey finds
The Co-operative has published research suggesting that pupils would rather have lessons on green issues than traditional subjects such as science and history. The Co-operative released the findings to mark the official launch of its Green Schools Revolution education programme which will give signed...
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'Take Part’ final report from the Community Development Foundation (CDF)
This evaluation report presents overall findings from the national community action programme funded by DCLG, and highlights that as a result of the ‘Take Part’ initiative, people are becoming more actively engaged in their communities. It demonstrates the influence that beneficiaries of ‘Take Part’...
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TES FE Award winner, BSix Brooke House Sixth-Form College, ‘Outstanding Provider’ of the year (November 2011)
Congratulations to TES FE Award winner, BSix Brooke House Sixth-Form College, London for being awarded the ‘outstanding provider of the year award’ (sponsored by LSIS). November 2011. BSix has many innovative and dynamic features but not least is the emphasis it places on learner voice. For example,...
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MPs call for Big Society minister (December 2011)
The Government has been told by a parliamentary select committee to create the role of 'Big Society Minister'. It warns that at present the policy is 'hampered by the lack of a clear implementation plan, leading to public confusion about the policy agenda'. A report by the Public Administration Select...
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Government review of the health of the high street by TV personality Mary Portas (13 December 2011)
An interesting piece of work that spot lights the continuing decline of our high streets and the risk this poses to the health of local communities. The review makes a number of recommendations including 'town teams' to champion high streets and concessions for entrepreneurs and re-shaping the high...
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David Blunkett calls on Prime Minister to intervene on citizenship in the curriculum (14 December 2011)
David Blunkett MP for Sheffield Brightside and Hillsborough asked David Cameron at Prime Minister's Questions to intervene on the imminent proposals by the Government for a new National Curriculum and retain the teaching of citizenship and democracy in the school curriculum in England. Mr Blunkett said...
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Citizenship in further education: a future in the balance?
After a decade of exiting developments citizenship education in post-16 education and training now faces a serious challenge, perhaps a crisis. The threats are different but just as severe as those facing citizenship at Key Stages 3 and 4. A turning point was reached with the closure this year of the...
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The Guardian: Archbishop of Canterbury says riots will return unless we reach out to young
The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned that the August riots are likely to be repeated unless the Government and society do more to "rescue those who think they have nothing to lose". Writing in The Guardian, Rowan Williams said rioting had occured because of "massive economic hopelessness" and the...
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Good learner voice a key to 'outstanding'
This very interesting report demonstrates that a strong emphasis on learner engagement and listening to learner views are clearly a characteristic of 'outstanding' colleges. See http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/resources/annualreport1011
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Active Citizens FE responds to Ofsted consultation on proposed changes to Common Inspection Framework
Active Citizens FE responds to the current Ofsted consultation on the proposed revised inspection arrangements for further education and skills providers from 2012. Full response below
Active Citizens FE responds to the current Ofsted consultation About Active Citizens FE
Active Citizens...
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Ofsted consultation on revised CIF - Where is the citizenship and learner voice?
The consultation closes on 24 November 2011 and Active Citizens FE is keen to gets views on the proposals from those in the sector interested in post-16 citizenship and related areas. (Learner voice, SMSC, community cohesion. personal and social development and enrichment activity etc). Active Citizens...
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Prime minister outlines new measures on immigration
The prime minister, David Cameron has delivered a speech which set out changes to work, student and family migration routes ‘to tackle abuse and ensure that those coming to Britain will be good for the country and drive economic growth’. Key details include: stricter tests on the ‘genuineness of a relationship...
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Big Society drive to boost local social action begins
Nick Hurd, minister for civil society has opened the £80 million Community First fund which will provide small grants to community groups and local social action projects. A Community First website has been opened which invites people to sign their community up to receive support. Funding will be allocated...
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Further Education Tutorial Network annual conference
This year's FETN conference will include workshops covering a range of tutorial related hot topics. Delegates will also be joined by: Keynote Speaker Susie Knight (Leadership Consultant, RED Consultancy) The opening keynote will explore the changing educational landscape and its implications for the...
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Informal adult community learning – online survey for individuals
Learners and other members of the public are being given a unique opportunity to have their say about the future of informal adult community learning, by responding to a new NIACE survey online. The NIACE survey is sponsored by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) as part of its...
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Curriculum review update from Democratic Life
Liz Moorse, until recently subject lead for citizenship at QCDA, gives an update on the review of the national curriculum and the threat to citizenship education. See her presentation from the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT conference) Join the campaign to support the continuation of citizenship...
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Ethical leadership training for learners from the Institute of Global Ethics
Aimed at individuals working with children and young people, Ethical Leadership training is available from the Institute of Global Ethics to promote critical thinking skills and responsible decision-making in young people. Register for one of the three upcoming training dates in London by calling 020...
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Parliament week 31 October-6 November 2011
The newly set up Parliament week will take place between 31 October and 6 November 2011. To help make the most of this opportunity we offer ideas for activities and resources to promote interest in parliament and democracy. See also a range of materials to support it from the Parliamentary Education...
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Research from Nottingham Trent University on Young people and politics
A really interesting report that examines young people's attitudes towards politics in Britain, and considers the widely-held view that today's generation of youth is increasingly reluctant to play a role in political life, and is dismissive of the formal political process and of democratic institutions...
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Hansard Society research on Connecting Citizens to Parliament
Connecting Citizens to Parliament demonstrates that half the public (52%) are not really interested in Parliament and do not want to be involved in what it does. The research explores which communities and social groups are not engaging with Parliament, why and how this might be redressed. It concludes...
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Citizenship Foundation statement on youth riots
Independent education and participation charity, the Citizenship Foundation has made a statement about the riots of summer 2011. The charity aims to encourage and enable individuals to engage in democratic society and say that they hope the government will realise the importance of citizenship education...
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Services for young people
Parliamentary select committee report on youth services including conclusions on National Citizen Service. It examines the benefits and costs of services with particular reference to National Citizen Service.
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NIACE on Learning and the Big Society
NIACE has published Learning for a Change: Why adult learning will make the Big Difference to the Big Society a paper which outlines key facets of the relationship between adult learning and the Big Society. The paper sets out arguments for how learning can become central to the Big Society: learning...
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National Citizens Service Pilots
Here is the Active Citizens FE round up of news about the first series of pilots for the National Citizen Service (NCS) which took place in summer 2011: An analysis of the first pilots of NCS from Third Sector.'A good start, but it needs more work' Will the NCS stop rioting? View from the Guardian....
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NIACE consultation - Colleges in their community
An interim report commissioned by the Independent Commission on Colleges in their Communities, led by Baroness Sharp of Guildford and supported by NIACE, the 157 Group and the Association of Colleges, was published on Friday 15 July 2011. The Interim Report - A Dynamic Nucleus: colleges at the heart...
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Policy seminars from LSIS on Big Society
This summer, LSIS held a series of seminars which aimed to support the further education sector to think critically about the Big Society concept, challenges and opportunities. View reports of the three seminars and supporting slides.
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Big Society re-launch by David Cameron
Prime Minister David Cameron re-launches Big Society and National Citizen Service in the aftermath of the unrest in August 2011. He criticises a lack of morality in society and says Big Society is the way to tackle deep-rooted problems with personal social responsibility...
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Parliament Week
This year, 31 October - 6 November will be the inaugural Parliament Week in the UK. There will be a series of activities and events designed to help people engage with parliamentary democracy and better understand the work of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Events will be taking place all...
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Citizenship can help mend 'broken society'
The rush for politicians to say more discipline is needed in repsonse to the recent riots overlooks the need for a focus on rights, liberation and order says Kate Allen in the Huffington Post. She argues how vital it is that well-taught citizenship is retained in the national curriculum and cites it...
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We need a new national service says Blunkett
Young people should take part in a national volunteer programme as a form of national service, according to an article by David Blunkett in the Daily Mail. He calls the summer riots "the biggest threat to social cohesion in decades" and illustrates examples of the life-changing impact volunteering can...
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