Citizenship champions
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Croydon College
Post-16 Citizenship activity at Croydon College
Tutors from BTEC Introductory Art, Design and Media, CACHE (Certificate in Childcare & Education) and BTEC National Applied Science have been assisting in the development of a dedicated Curriculum Citizenship programme which has been piloted during the sumer term 2006. The aims of the project were for students to gain and demonstrate knowledge of citizenship and its issues, to show understanding of key citizenship concepts and to provide the opportunity to discuss and debate on citizenship issues.
The theme of the phase 1 sessions focused on ‘What is Citizenship’ with the intention of using any activities as the spring board for the development of more Curriculum Citizenship themes from September 2006. 'The initial questionnaire ‘What is citizenship?’ generated lively discussion between the students, especially, when trying to decide on the difference between ‘good’ and ‘active’ citizens', said the Applied Science tutor. Whilst generic activities were introduced to each group, individual tutors then focused on more specialist delivery methods to suit the needs of their particular cohort. This has meant that the bank of resources is far more extensive and will offer the new tutors involved next year, a wider choice for delivery. The tutors and students recently presented their work to Julia Fiehn the post 16 Regional Network Leader who visited the college to award each student with a certificate of achievement 'I have learnt that we have to work together to make a difference', commented an art student following one of the sessions.
All students involved have become inspired to be more ‘active’ citizens. A group of Art, Design and Media students are to paint a mural in the common room based on the designs of their 'What is Citizenship?' posters, the CACHE students raised over £27 towards a local hospice and the Applied Science collected signatures in support of the Christian Aid 'Debt Cancellation' campaign. A group of targetted curriculm tutors will attend training sessions to support delivery of the programme from September.
Citizenship coordinator's top tips for setting up post-16 citizenship activity:
- It is vital to get senior management support to ensure strategic steer in the development and implementation of a citizenship programme.
- The citizenship coordinator can be more effective if he/she has a cross organisational role. It is important to encourage cross fertilization between curriculum areas and mode of study. Aim to include a variety of levels of study where possible and include regular staff training/support of the curriculum teams to ensure the citizenship programme is delivered effectively.
- A small but enthusiastic team of staff is key in developing a wide range of materials that will suit the needs of students. This includes working alongside the key skills specialists who will assist in the mapping of key skills accreditation. To demonstrate how key skills can be included in the work can be one of the tools to engage management suppport of the programme.
- Recognition of student achievement is a very important with all participants receiving a certificate of achievement to foster positive environment of learning. A high profile should be given to the activities by encouraging events such as presentations, displays of work, campaigns and awards ceremonies.
- Once a set of sessions/materials has been planned, aim to pilot these with a small group of students. Have a clear timetable for implementation and review of the pilot and involve students and tutors in the evaluation of the pilot.
How this organisation could help you:
We would be more than happy to give presentations or workshops that will assist other colleagues in taking this type of work forward. This could include some of the resources that have been proven to be successful with staff and students alike. We could also bring some of the students who have been involved in the pilot or the next phase to discuss with colleagues how they found the sessions. The team of staff who have helped in the planning and delivery of the sessions would also be available to come and discuss with staff any issues they have faced and how we have overcome these. We are very keen to develop links with other colleges, schools or organisations to plan/organise events or campaigns which will encourage student involvement and enhance their experience of 'active citizenship'.
Contact information
Name of citizenship coordinator: Di Layzelle
Citizenship coordinator’s telephone:
020 8686 5700
Citizenship coordinator’s email: layzed@croydon.ac.uk
Organisation website:
www.croydon.ac.uk
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