Pupils working on the issue of citizenship should follow the guidelines below.

1.    What does citizenship mean to you?

Each group of 4-5 pupils defines their idea of citizenship in 5 bullet points, mainly in terms of rights and duties.

All the groups then get together and reach a consensus as to what the five essential aspects of European citizenship are.

2.    Citizen voice i.e. citizens’ rights

You will explore the different democratic ways in which citizens can make their voice heard on local/ national/ European/ global issues, e.g. how do you write a letter to your MP? How do you go on local or national radio/ television?

The end products of your work could be :

- a letter or interview of someone acting on behalf of a group, be it on a social, political or economic issue

- a newspaper article 

- a cartoon lampooning someone or something.

3.    Citizens’ responsibilities

Here you should think in terms of your responsibilities as citizens, e.g. caring for people with disabilities or senior citizens, protecting the environment, voting, etc. In short, doing your bit for the community at any level. 

You will have to get your message across in (a) visual display(s) or oral production(s).

4.    Role models

Think of some significant people who have fought for their recognition as citizens and illustrate their struggle. You may choose famous figures like Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi or Nelson Mandela, but also less well known people whom you consider as role models.

Your end presentation should come under the heading “I have a dream” and include all or some of the following:

•      video clip, powerpoint presentation
•      posters, art, photographs
•      acting/role play (interview, debate, talk show)