How does Citizen Schools work?

the Alliance

Schools decide to join as members of the Citizen Schools Alliance, a group of all the schools and educational institutions who at the same time members of London Citizens, the largest network of faith groups, trade unions, community groups, universities and schools in the capital who work together to develop leadership amongst their constituents, strengthen their foundations, and effect change in the local community based on the common good. All members are offered regular community leadership trainings – for parents, students and staff – based on community organising principles, and professional organisers support groups to build strong, relational networks of trust within their institutions – before bringing groups together to reflect and improve their local, regional and London-wide communities. For schools, this might be by focusing on building active governance in the school, with parents engaged through regular neighbourhood walks (the school going to parents on their terms), or by holding regular caucus meetings or smaller evening trainings for all who are interested. Once common aspirations and aims have been identified, students, parents and/or staff work together to take action to make the desired change happen: for example St Angelas and St Bonaventures students running a City Safe campaign to make the local streets safer, or primary school parents researching road safety around their schools and presenting their findings to the local council, arguing for a road new crossing. All schools also receive targeted support from organisers to assist them in the developing their provision against the national curriculum aim of creating active, responsible citizens, based on their needs. This is to ensure this work is embedded into the curriculum as in the first instance an entitlement for all students, not only an enrichment activity for some.

the Pathway

A course to bring the power of community organising to primary and secondary schools, in order to build capacity to effect change, build community alliances, facilitate community cohesion and make learning more relevant and compelling.

the Community

The Citizen Schools Community is an online forum with 300 members and growing. Anyone can visit to see what’s available – be it resources and lesson plans for citizenship, key documents to take forward student voice or community cohesion, or advice on the leadership of citizenship – and then join. Once authorised they have free, 24/7 access to a hive of resources, ideas and inspiration to help raise the citizenship education bar in their setting.

the Award

The Citizen Schools Award is currently in development, and is being trialled with the schools involved in the Citizen Schools Pathway. It will be due for national launch in time for the 2010-2011 academic year. We are consulting with a wide range of individuals, organisations and educational establishments who are advising how to make it work well and be a realistic, influential choice for schools. Please watch this space for updates as the concept develops.