Citizenship and History

Citizenship and history

History provides the foundation for education for citizenship. It provides essential knowledge and understanding of how rights and responsibilities have evolved in Scotland and Britain. A study of themes, issues and organisations such as slavery, Britain’s evolution into a democratic state, the suffragettes, trade unions, the history of the Labour Party and the origins and growth of the welfare state all underpin citizenship. Moreover, history provides insights into how developments in Britain compare to those of other countries, thus widening pupils’ understanding of their own and other societies.

 
History also teaches skills and competencies central to citizenship. The ability to detect bias and propaganda, critical thinking, the confidence to take part in discussion and debate, and the ability to analyse and synthesise all lie at the heart of history education and allow young people to play their part as active citizens.