Citizenship and Core and Foundation Subjects: History

There is a long tradition of links between history and citizenship education in British education. History is often a central component in citizenship education. The link is based on the overlap between the aims and purposes of history and of citizenship in the curriculum. History teaching encouraged discussion and personal experience to explore local and national events. Indeed Helen Madeley in her influential book History as a School of Citizenship argued that 'if History is to survive, it must serve the ends of citizenship.' The National Curriculum has given renewed impetus to the links between history and citizenship and restored history as a central component of citizenship education. There is intentional overlap in aims and purpose between the guidance for history and for citizenship. History can assist best through a process of learning that helps pupils to develop a critical respect for evidence.