The challenge of education for active citizenship

Draws on the 1998 Crick Report, Citizenship and the Teaching of Democracy in Schools, to provide a “viewpoint” on citizenship education in the UK. Summarises the purpose and nature of citizenship education in schools and then explores the implications of this for government, the education sector and schools. Stresses the relationship between emerging political thinking, societal values and citizenship education and that the “challenge” is to nurture a new political consensus with active citizenship at its heart. Assesses the prospects for citizenship education and utilises case study data to illustrate positive developments and encouraging practice, although conclusions as to whether citizenship education can ultimately achieve a change in the political culture of the country remain essentially speculative.