The school as a democratic institution
While schools are mini-societies which reflect the world at large, they also provide an opportunity to demonstrate a more just, inclusive and democratic society than is often evident in the real world. By offering opportunities to participate in a democratic process, within a school which adopts and demonstrates a global citizenship ethos, young people can witness for themselves the importance of active citizenship.
Look now at the activity on the right, which suggests steps to active participation amongst pupils. It introduces an approach for developing awareness, creating understanding and generating a desire to take positive action for change. Ultimately this activity presents an approach for creating positive action for change among pupils.
Activity Resources:
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Activity
- Go to the 'Developing global citizens' section of the IBT web site (IBT, date unknown) and open the pdf at the bottom of INSET Activity 8. This pdf contains two diagrams: 'Table of influence' and 'Flowchart'. Spend a few minutes considering them both. Table of influence/flowchart Note that genuine concerns and action will only occur when pupils address issues and ideas that come from them, and where they feel they have a sense of ownership of the issues. The flowchart suggests that there are five steps to pupils becoming involved in active citizenship: become aware; get informed; develop understanding; develop views; and do something.
- With a group of colleagues, take the part of pupils who want to do something positive and practical to address an issue that is of concern to them. The issue should be a genuine concern that has been raised by one or more pupils in the school. Next, considering the five suggested steps to active participation listed on the flowchart, decide what measures might be taken by the school community to direct pupils' concerns, interests, enthusiasm and energy towards positive action. Consider in particular how pupils might be made more aware, obtain information and develop their understanding of the issue.
