University set to launch National Citizenship Programme

The University of Plymouth is set to launch a National Citizenship (CPD) Programme which could prove crucial in helping to meet the needs of the country's newest National Curriculum subject. The University won the contract from the government last year and has now set up a framework to provide professional development for teachers delivering or supporting the National Citizenship Curriculum at all Key Stages. It delivers both the Citizenship Standards, as laid down by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, and also allows teachers to gain Masters Level credits through the development of a portfolio of evidence, based upon their own practice working within their own institutions. Mike Mitchell, Citizenship Pathway Leader at the University, said: "Citizenship is a key foundation subject because it focuses on really important issues concerning our modern society, such as diversity and community cohesion, and helps to develop those skills students need to actively participate. It covers some controversial topics, so it is very important that the teachers who take these classes are trained in the right way to be able handle these issues with confidence. At the moment there is a limited number of citizenship trained teachers. But through our partnership-based approach we are looking to build up a community of qualified teachers." The University will provide support and training right across England, and will work with local authorities and the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT) in the nine regions it has established.