The network, funded by the TTA for three years, addresses the need of teacher trainers for a strong base of subject knowledge in citizenship. It has been created by citized, a consortium of universities which offer initial teacher training (ITT) led by James Arthur at Canterbury Christ Church University, following a successful pilot project.

At the heart of the network is a new web site which aims to develop a professional knowledge base in citizenship with easy access from schools and institutions offering initial teacher training. It brings together for the first time research papers, articles and other published material.

The network will also show how the subject links in with key stage 3, inclusion, special education needs, literacy strategies and other national priorities and share information through a newsletter.

Citizenship was introduced into the national curriculum in August 2002. Thirteen providers of secondary level ITT will offer around 250 places in citizenship in the coming academic year, sometimes in conjunction with another subject. Elements of the subject are also a requirement in all ITT at primary level.

As well as its initial focus on training for specialist secondary citizenship teachers, citized will develop new areas of work in primary citizenship, post-16 citizenship, and the integration of cross-curricular citizenship into other subjects in the secondary curriculum.

Jacquie Nunn, Director of Teacher Training Support for the TTA said:

“Citizenship is still a relatively new subject in schools and the pilot project has made an important contribution to the quality of initial teacher training in the secondary phase.

“The launch of this new website will give teachers and trainers across all subjects and phases easier access to the resources they need to deliver citizenship ITT effectively and help them work together in developing expertise in this new area of work.”

James Arthur, citized project director, said:

“It is important that teacher trainers, whether in higher education institutions or in individual schools, realise other educators across the country are facing similar challenges. Now they will have access to a wealth of material to help them when they need it and they will be able to discuss issues and share ideas. We look forward to ensuring the site is updated with the latest information and thinking.”

Notes for editors

The citizen and teacher education website is intended for the trainee teachers and their tutors.  Journalists seeking more information about the content of the website should contact: James Arthur at Canterbury Christ Church University (tel:0121 628 3648, mob: 07740 472891; e-mail: ja1@cant.ac.uk)

The consortium awarded the contract to create the initial teacher training professional resource network (IPRN) on citizenship comprises all 13 universities and colleges providing initial teacher training courses.  These are listed on the website.

The initial teacher training (ITT) professional resource network (IPRN) in citizenship is being launched this week with conferences in Oxford (22 June) and London (23 June).

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