Should activism be part of the school curriculum?
As part of an active citizenship programme pupils at an east London free school are learning that they can speak out and make a difference through special class projects on Human Rights campaigning. The students are learning to petition, to lobby their MP and have conducted peaceful protests to address current injustices in the world.
The head teacher sees it as a way to develop a wide range of very practical skills as well as providing a platform for deeper thinker about the world:
'It's improved motivation, confidence and behaviour because they're finding their voice and they know they can achieve things by doing school work that has an impact on the real world. I want a school full of children who are good at questioning and thinking for themselves. That has to be the purpose of school.'
Should more schools adopt campaigning and activism classes rather than continue to offer so many stand alone subjects such as geography, history, economics etc?
If we really want education to make a difference do we need to start thinking a bit differently about how education can best equip students to be part of a changing world; a world they can potentially change, not just the few in power?
But...while many people feel that today not enough people speak up about causes they believe in, can society cope with everyone having a voice?
Read more here: www.theguardian.com/education/2014/apr/08/pupil-protests-teaching-children-campaigning