More focus on civics education in schools |11 March 2011

This was said by the Department of Education’s senior curriculum development officer Elva Gedeon following the announcement by President James Michel in his state-of-the nation address last Friday.

She was speaking during an interview on Friday at the Department of Education’s headquarters.

Civics education forms part of PSE, which is taught from crèche to secondary five level. As is stated in the national curriculum framework, it is an area of learning that encompasses the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, moral and spiritual dimensions of a person’s growth.

The subject is organised around four main themes – the individual, the family, the community and society, the nation and the international community.

Through these themes a wide range of issues, attitudes and values are explored such as self-awareness, positive and responsible behaviour, moral values and citizenship education.

Topics that make up civics – or citizenship – education include my country, my district, national symbols, my community, national territory, the Seychelles government and the Seychelles Constitution.

Miss Gedeon said civics education is not new as there are other curriculums apart from PSE that reinforce its importance, such as social studies.

“As is the case for all curriculums, PSE has to be reviewed as society is evolving. There are new demands and challenges, and a curriculum needs to meet these demands,” she said.

“We have to look at what should be emphasised in line with the needs and challenges of society in civics education and also look at the weaknesses of the curriculum.”

Since last year there has been an analysis of how PSE is taught in schools, and the department has seen a need to reinforce certain aspects of the curriculum, especially civics education.

Miss Gedeon added that volunteerism and patriotism are two examples of aspects that need to be focused on.

She said reviewing the status of civics education in the PSE curriculum forms part of the education reform 2009-10.

Teachers’ training, specifically in civics education, forms part of the action to be taken. It will include learning new strategies to teach this particular part of the PSE curriculum and how to use the resources available, such as the Seychelles Nation newspaper.

Miss Gedeon said civics education is not only for children, but the family have a major role as it all starts at home.

“We are also working on how to bring more awareness to other partners in education such as parents and the community,” she said.

The media will be an essential tool in this process, which will include TV spots as well as articles on the Nation’s education page.

Another strategy to make students more aware of the importance of civics education will be to include it in activities after normal school hours.

Miss Gedeon said even though PSE does not have a written exam at the end of each term, it is an important subject like all the others. And school managers and curriculum leaders should monitor it in the same way.

She said a committee has been set up to develop a training pack for civics education and to review the curriculum and current weaknesses.

During the April holidays, a teacher from each secondary and primary school will take part in training sessions on civics education. These teachers will then train others during their professional development sessions.

The committee will supervise these sessions, while the Centre for Curriculum Assessment and Teacher Support will monitor civics education in schools.