§ Mr. BradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if she will issue guidance to schools to include the Queen's golden jubilee in studies of citizenship during the(a) current and (b) next academic year. [39556]
§ Mr. Ivan Lewis[holding answer 1 March 2002]: Understanding the institutions that underpin our system of government is an important part of citizenship which becomes part of the statutory National Curriculum for 11–16 year olds in September 2002. Pupils will learn about the Monarchy and the role of the Queen as the head of State. Detailed guidance has been sent to all schools to support citizenship. Citizenship is flexible to allow teachers to decide the content of lessons, which can include discussions of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
The DfES supports the Spirit of Friendship festival which is a series of events aimed at celebrating, and increasing understanding of, the Commonwealth Games and the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The festival will take place in June and July.