School pupils at anti-war demos - an important educational opportunity?

The controversy over young people leaving classes to attend anti-war demonstrations is addressed directly in a new series of teacher guides for the Citizenship Curriculum published this week by The Stapleford Centre.

“Why should pupils not be actively involved in demonstration?” writes the author, Chris Sunderland. “Imagine a school, which has seriously debated these issues as part of its citizenship programme, where there is an ongoing interest, and where the pupils themselves want to act. Coaches are hired and the young people attend, suitably overseen, but not led by teachers. Acting on the citizenship agenda in a meaningful and responsible way would be truly memorable in the life of a young person and a significant moment in their engagement as active citizens.”

The book Exploring Citizenship through Active Involvement cites the Jubilee 2000 demonstration at the G8 summit in Birmingham, illustrating the sort of conditions whereby a demonstration might provide an important educational opportunity. It is estimated that 70,000 people attended that day; there was a good-natured, even carnival atmosphere throughout. Arguments about dropping debt were rehearsed by leading proponents in the field, including MPs and prominent figures in aid organisations. The date was published in advance and it was very well organised.

Commenting on the recent demonstrations against war, Chris Sunderland said: "One obviously cannot condone pupils running wild in a city centre without permission during school time. Yet, this may be an important indication that young people are not totally cynical about politics; their interest can be harnessed."

The Exploring Citizenship series of books is deliberately designed to work with the interests of young people to bring them into active and responsible engagement with society.

• Dr Chris Sunderland is Co-ordinator of AGORA, which works with both adults and young people in Citizenship Education. AGORA's primary aims are to create new opportunities for the highest possible quality of public conversation in our society, the building of realistic trust and the seeking of vision. See http://www.agoraspace.org
  
• Ordering information and further links regarding the Exploring Citizenship series can be found at www.exploringcitizenship.co.uk

 

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