§ Baroness Howe of Idlicoteasked Her Majesty's Government:
What issues will be covered when "citizenship" becomes a compulsory curriculum subject in September; and whether an outline of the subjects to be taught is yet available. [HL3745]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandCitizenship education will be part of the national curriculum for secondary schools from August 2002. It will consist of three main strands: political literacy, social and moral responsibility and community involvement. These will help young people to develop the skills and confidence they need to engage in active citizenship and feel they have a stake in society.
The National Curriculum Order for Citizenship—laid before Parliament on 23 June 2000 (No. 1603)—sets out the statutory requirements for the subject. Detailed guidance for secondary schools, based on the order, has been produced by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority and sent to every secondary school and can be obtained from www.dfes.gov.uk/citizenship. This allows schools flexibility in how they deliver the subject, for example as a discrete subject or through other subjects. The detailed guidance for primary schools will be available later this year.