Teachers' Notes

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All of the material appearing on this site can be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All the complainants appearing in case studies and examples are fictitious and any resemblance to real individuals is entirely coincidental. Although many of the case studies and examples are based on real cases, they have often been simplified or changed and should not be taken as fact.

The material on this site is intended to complement Key Stage 4 of National Curriculum Citizenship teaching. In particular, it should complement work on the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems; and provide a broader understanding of individuals' legal rights and responsibilities. We have aimed to provide exercises which will stimulate class debate and discussion and encourage pupils to consider other people's experiences, as well as how they can best express their own opinions.

The role plays, quiz and sample letter can be printed out and used as handouts in the classroom.

Useful information can be found on the sites below

ombudsmen

www.bioa.org.uk
the website of the British and Irish Ombudsman Association with links to the websites of ombudsman schemes.


national curriculum and related sites

www.nc.uk.net
the official website for the national curriculum, this gives details of the requirements for teaching citizenship and links to other useful sites.

www.teachingcitizenship.org.uk
the website of the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT). ACT is the professional subject association for those involved in citizenship education. The Association's main aim is the furtherance of mutual support, knowledge and good practice, skills and resources for the teaching and learning of citizenship in schools and colleges.

www.dfes.gov.uk/citizenship
the Citizenship website of the Department for Education and Skills. The website provides a great deal of information about education for citizenship for pupils of different age groups, teachers, parents and governors.

www.citfou.org.uk
the website of the Citizenship Foundation. The Foundation's work aims to promote more effective citizenship, particularly among young people, through education about the law, democracy and society. The site describes the Foundation's work in the UK and worldwide and provides teaching support material.

www.citizen.org.uk
the website of the Institute for Citizenship, which is an independent charitable trust. The Institute's aim is to promote informed, active citizenship and greater participation in democracy and society through a combination of community projects, research, education and discussion and debate. The site includes a page about European citizenship.

useful background sites for young people

www.explore.parliament.uk
a site aimed at children, with different levels of information on the workings of parliament for different age groups. It provides activities and quizzes, to be completed online.

www.cypu.gov.uk
The Children's and Young People's Unit supports Ministers as they develop the Government's overarching strategy for children and young people. They are also responsible for the administration of the Children's Fund, which aims to prevent poverty and social exclusion amongst children and young people. There are separate sections for adults and children.

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