The Democracy in Schools Standard was officially launched in May 2007, by founders Sarah Mann and Peter Lacey, who both hail from a background in providing services to the education sector. The Standard was established as a direct response to nationally held concerns over decreasing levels of public engagement in democratic procedures. Sarah Mann explains:
“We understand that schools are constantly under pressure to evaluate their own performance in preparation for external inspection. We introduced the guidelines to provide schools with a framework to support the effective teaching of democracy at Key Stages 2, 3 and 4. The standard presents pupils with a series of experiences which will prepare them to play an active role as future citizens, whilst at the same time enabling teachers to compile an evidence portfolio for inspection.”
She continues: “We have launched our new website to provide teachers with resources and valuable information about the teaching of democracy in schools. We believe that schools should be recognised for their efforts in promoting active citizenship, so every school which works towards and achieves the standard will be featured on our website.”
Aside from useful links and information about the teaching of democracy, the new website also includes information on how to become an assessor and how teachers who are introducing the standard can receive accreditation from Edge Hill University.
Once the standards have been met, a participating school can expect to receive a plaque, a certificate and permission to use the Democracy in Schools Standard logo on all of their stationery. The school’s success will also be featured on the Democracy in Schools website and the company will notify the schools local council leader with a view to stimulating local recognition.
Tel: 01472 500643
enquiries@thedemocracyinschoolsstandard.com
