HC Deb 27 October 2003 vol 412 c78WS
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills if he will require responsible consumption and its effects on the environment and society to be included within lessons on citizenship. [131451]

Mr. Miliband

The Citizenship curriculum includes teaching pupils about issues that impact on the society and the environment. Pupils are taught about the rights and responsibilities of consumers, to recognise the difference between the economic choices they can make, and how they impact on society and the environment. Many schools explore this with pupils through activities which examine the impact of consumer behaviour on other people, locally, nationally and globally.

QCA has sent detailed guidance to schools to help them to explore these issues, including a unit—`Choices' for use with 5 to 11 -year-olds. Similarly, "Consumer Rights and Responsibilities" is aimed at discussions with 14 to 16-year-olds. These units are available at: www. standards.dfes.gov.uk/schemes

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