§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will take steps to include an understanding of the history and purpose of the United Nations in the study of citizenship in schools. [144030]
§ Jacqui SmithKnowledge and understanding of the United Nations is already included in the programmes of study for Citizenship education for secondary schools. From August 2002, Citizenship will be part of the National Curriculum and pupils will be taught about the purpose and workings of international organisations such as the United Nations, NATO, the European Union and the Commonwealth in contemporary society. They will be able to explore the role of the UN in conflict resolution, for example through model United Nations projects.
518WThis will build on the opportunity that already exists to learn about the UN as part of 'modern world' studies in the History curriculum.