Citizenship Education
All educational establishments in North Ayrshire promote a curriculum which emphasises the rights and responsibilities of individuals and nations. This helps young people to understand diverse cultures and beliefs. Children and young people are given support to enable them to develop concern, tolerance, care and respect for themselves and other people.
A Curriculum for Excellence includes an aspiration for all children and young people to develop their capacities as responsible citizens.
A number of initiatives across North Ayrshire encourage young people to participate responsibly in the democratic process. These include:
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Pupil councils in schools
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Youth Council representing all secondary schools and community youth groups
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Elections for Scottish Youth Parliament
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Young Scots Schools Connection programme to promote active participation in consultations and information sharing.
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North Ayrshire Young Scots website.
Every year a Primary Question Time event is held in the Magnum Theatre to enable primary school pupils to gain an understanding of environmental, economic and social issues affecting their local communities and develop informed, ethical views of complex issues. The participating pupils have the opportunity to question an invited panel of representatives from local businesses and the public sector.
Further information can be found on the Learning and Teaching Scotland web site.