Education for citizenship addresses the exercising of rights and responsibilities within communities at local, national and global levels.
It encompasses the development of informed decision making, and the ability to take thoughtful and responsible action, locally and globally.
Young people are citizens of today, not citizens in waiting. Education for citizenship is about developing in learners the ability to take up their place in society as responsible, successful, effective and confident citizens both now and in the future.
Curriculum for Excellence is underpinned by the values of wisdom, compassion, integrity and justice. Within this, education for citizenship provides learners with the opportunity to develop an understanding of fairness and justice, equips them with skills of critical evaluation and encourages the expression of attitudes and beliefs to respond to the challenges we face as global citizens in a constructive and positive manner. Issues addressed through education for citizenship include human rights, sustainable development, peace and conflict resolution, social equality and appreciation of diversity.
Learner voice is a crucial element of education for citizenship; indeed, Curriculum for Excellence provides the ideal framework to give children and young people the opportunity to exercise their rights and responsibilities within an educational setting.
Education for citizenship permeates many of the experiences and outcomes within Curriculum for Excellence, and is therefore the shared responsibility of all.
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