Citizenship through history

Key stage 1

History can make a significant contribution to citizenship in schools. Much of the knowledge, concepts and skills acquired by pupils through their study of history is highly relevant to their development as informed, active and engaged citizens. Equally, citizenship can add a new dimension to history teaching helping pupils make more sense of the world in which they live through an understanding of the past.

To help teachers, DfES/QCA have published schemes of work for citizenship at key stages 1, 2 and 3.

Key stages 1 and 2

The scheme of work for citizenship at key stages 1 and 2, that places citizenship in the context of the non-statutory guidelines for PSHE and citizenship is available on the DfES Standards website. There are no subject specific units in this scheme although specific links to history are identified in the following units:

Unit 1: Taking part -- developing skills of communication and participation
Unit 4: People who help us -- the local police
Unit 5: Living in a diverse world
Unit 7: Children's rights -- human rights
Unit 8: How do rules and laws affect me?
Unit 9: Respect for poverty
Unit 10: Local democracy for young citizens
Unit 11: In the media -- what's in the news?

Further information and guidance to support the teaching of citizenship in all the key stages is available at www.dfes.gov.uk/citizenship.