Government urged to include civics education

MEDIA RELEASE: 26 March 2007

The Republican Movement urges the Government and the Ministry of Education to add an emphasis on civics education to the draft New Zealand Curriculum. The current 2006 - 2007 draft makes no mention of civics and constitutional education in the Social Sciences segment.

"In August 2005 the Government's own Constitutional Inquiry Committee recommended to the Government that civics and constitutional education should be improved in New Zealand schools, and this was accepted by the Government," said Lewis Holden, president of the Republican Movement.

"And yet there is almost no mention in the Draft curriculum framework of the need for students to learn about how their constitution works. We urge the Government to rectify this - encouraging critical discussion in schools and communities means more civic awareness and a emphasis on learning about political ideas and philosophical debate".

"A democracy works best when as many people as possible are able to participate and contribute their ideas and opinions. It is important that we empower young people to express themselves politically. Wider awareness of our constitution and our parliamentary system means better and more satisfying political debate and discourse. No matter what side of the republic debate you're on, that has to be a good thing".

ENDS

Contact Lewis Holden on 027 699 1350