Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) · 6th Year · Myself and the Wider World - Citizenship · 4.º Período

Local and Global Citizenship

Pupils learn about their rights and responsibilities as citizens in their community and the wider world. They discuss issues of equality and social justice.

TL;DR:Local and global citizenship in 6th Class introduces students to their rights and responsibilities as members of a community. This topic explores the concept of democracy, the importance of voting (in a school or local context), and the role of NGOs and community groups. It aligns with the NCCA Strand Unit 'Developing citizenship', which aims to help students understand the interconnectedness of the world.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Strand: Myself and the wider world, Strand Unit: Developing citizenship
• Explore the concepts of rights and responsibilities

About This Topic

Local and global citizenship in 6th Class introduces students to their rights and responsibilities as members of a community. This topic explores the concept of democracy, the importance of voting (in a school or local context), and the role of NGOs and community groups. It aligns with the NCCA Strand Unit 'Developing citizenship', which aims to help students understand the interconnectedness of the world.

Students also explore issues of equality and social justice, looking at how they can support those who are less fortunate. This involves understanding human rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, where they can debate real-world issues and brainstorm ways to take 'active citizenship' steps in their own locality.

Key Questions

1. What does it mean to be a good citizen?
2. What are human rights?
3. How can we help those who are less fortunate in our community?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Citizenship is just about following rules and laws.

What to Teach Instead

Citizenship is also about active participation and standing up for what is right. Using simulations of democratic processes helps students see that they have a voice and a role in shaping their community, not just obeying it.

Common Misconception

Human rights are only a problem in 'other' countries.

What to Teach Instead

Human rights and equality are relevant in every community, including Ireland. Peer discussions about fairness in the school yard or local access to services help students see the local application of global principles.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

The Classroom Election

Students form 'political parties' and create a manifesto for one small change in the school (e.g., more sports equipment). They hold a formal debate and a secret ballot vote, learning about the democratic process and the responsibility of the voter.

60 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle

Rights and Responsibilities

In small groups, students are given cards with 'Rights' (e.g., the right to be heard). They must brainstorm the matching 'Responsibility' (e.g., the responsibility to listen to others) and create a 'Citizenship Charter' for the classroom.

30 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk

Global Heroes

Profiles of people who have fought for social justice (both Irish and international) are displayed. Students move in pairs to identify one 'character trait' each hero showed and discuss how they could show that trait in their own lives.

40 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How can active learning help students understand citizenship?

Active learning, such as classroom elections or creating a 'Citizenship Charter', allows students to experience democracy and social responsibility firsthand. Instead of just reading about rights, they practice exercising them and balancing them with the rights of others. This experiential approach helps them internalize the values of fairness, respect, and participation that are essential for being an active member of society.

What is the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

It is an international agreement that sets out the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of every child. In SPHE, students learn about these rights to understand their own value and the importance of protecting the rights of others.

How can I teach about social justice without being political?

Focus on universal values like fairness, empathy, and kindness. Use the NCCA framework to guide discussions toward how we treat one another and how we can support people in our community who might be struggling.

What are some 'active citizenship' projects for 6th Class?

Projects could include organizing a food drive, writing letters to the local council about a community issue, or creating a 'buddy system' for younger students in the school.