Citizenship

Planning education for citizenship: Annette Street Primary School

Illustration of stack of books

Annette Street Primary School is an urban school on the south side of Glasgow. The school has a roll of 185. 

Approximately 85% of pupils are from minority ethnic backgrounds.

2001/02 How the school plan developed

During session 2001/02, the school began to revise its policy for Personal and Social Development (PSD). During that session the discussion paper ‘Education for Citizenship in Scotland’ was sent to schools for consultation.

The team recognised that many of the recommendations contained within this document were very relevant to their current audit of the school’s PSD programme.

As a result, the school developed a threefold approach to planning for citizenship. The approach focuses on: 
1. School ethos - the development of a Statement of Shared Values
2. Curriculum - planning for integration of citizenship opportunities within the curriculum
3. Democracy - creation of a democratic school where pupils experience democracy in action.

School ethos

Annette Street Primary has put in a lot of work to develop and nurture a positive and inclusive school ethos. Some of the things they looked at under school ethos:

  • Statement of Shared Values
  • Code of Conduct
  • Parents, community and business involvement
  • Values in Action
  • Becoming a Green Flag Eco School          

Word icon Word file: Case study - Development of a Statement of Shared Values (56 KB) 11 pages
This study charts how the school went about developing its values statement. It details the consultation with the whole school community including staff, pupils, parents and members of the local community. It culminates in a formal publication and special launch event. 

The statement has also acted as a catalyst for pupils getting more involved and taking responsibility for other areas of their learning. While this case study was written in summer 2003, it remains very relevant to anyone considering this exercise in their school.

Word icon Word file: Annette Street Primary Code of Conduct (28 KB) 1 page

The school's Code of Conduct outlines its values, which include valuing its multicultural community, respect, honesty, learning and the environment.

Curriculum

Annette Street looked at how citizenship and other cross-curricular areas could be integrated into the curriculum timetable in the school. It took a whole school approach and ensured a range of activities for every year group.

  • P1-P3: Visitors, visits, performances and enterprise project were all integrated into the curriculum through Glasgow Scheme topics.
  • P4-P7: As above, plus a visit to the Scottish Parliament, running campaigns, fundraising for a chosen charity, and preparation of a Glasgow Tourist Guide to help our new families from abroad.          

Word icon Word file: Policy for Citizenship, Enterprise in Education and Education for Work (36 KB) 4 pages
Annette Street policy linking together citizenship, enterprise in education and education for work. It outlines a whole school approach to consultation and decision making in these areas. 

It includes approaches to active citizenship, promoting values and raising self-esteem, involving parents, community and business, assessment and useful resources.

Word icon Word file: Annette Street Primary topic grid (96 KB) 7 pages
Topic grid for Primary 1-7 covering social subjects, science, technology, health, PSD, RME, PE, drama, music, art, citizenship and enterprise opportunities.

Democracy

Sharing, involving and developing aspirations and values with all of Annette Street Primary's stakeholders has been of central importance to its success. 

All these groups and more have been consulted and involved in the decision-making processes.

  • Pupil Council
  • Pupil Committees
  • Enterprise Groups
  • Buddies, Prefects and Peer Mediators -  and many more!          

Contact details

Sheila Taylor, Headteacher
Email: headteacher@annettestreet-pri.glasgow.sch.uk 
27 Annette Street
Glasgow G42 8YB
Tel. No.: 0141 423 0192
Fax No.: 0141 423 7874
LEA : Glasgow City Council