Peer-led learning

Participation is at the heart of learning and teaching policy and practice in Scotland. Enabling young people to take a more active and involved role in their own learning, curriculum planning and assessment are key tenets of Curriculum for Excellence.

'Planning should encourage participation by, as well as being responsive to, the learner, who can and should influence and contribute to the process.'
(Curriculum for Excellence: Building the Curriculum 3, 2008)

The following websites offer more information on this aspect of Scottish education:

• Curriculum for Excellence
• Assessment is for Learning
• Participation and Learning
• Education for Citizenship
• Enterprise in Education

Participation and children’s rights

Children have the right to an education. For too many of the most vulnerable young people in society, schooling can be a very negative experience. In spite of a growing policy climate of awareness and support for those struggling to succeed, schools remain difficult institutions for many young people to negotiate. Participation at school is a fundamental strategy for developing our understanding of children and young people’s needs, engaging them in learning and developing their skills and confidence.

'The capacity of individuals and groups to participate in developing their own learning is crucial to improving their quality of life. Through learning, people can come to make a real contribution to their own communities and participate in local and national democratic processes. Through learning, people can build the confidence and capacity to tackle wider social and economic issues, such as health or community safety. Without the skills to participate, social exclusion is much more likely.'
(Communities: Change through Learning, Professor Audrey Osler)

A right to participate in education

• 'State parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child… in accordance with age and maturity of the child.'
  (Article 12, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)

•  'Education shall be directed to:
  
  The development of respect for human rights.
  The preparation of the child for responsible life…in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship amongst all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups…'
  (Article 29, UN Convention on the Rights of the Child)