By Edward Trower-
Innovative resources aimed at supporting schools to engage more in politics has been launched by Shout Out UK
The resources offered through the London Curriculum aims to encourage pupils to develop political knowledge and vote. This is a positive step, considering the lack of political knowledge among young people in the uk. Young people need to know more about politics in order to have a broader knowledge of how the country is run, and also to be able to contribute to the ideas involved in running the country.
Shout Out UK wants to get young people politically engaged, so their voices are heard in decision-making, both local and national, that affects their lives.
Shout Out UK is an independent youth news platform commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA). It was established to create engaging resources in schools in the capital and raise political awareness.
Over 400 schools are to be put through the London Curriculum to participate in political discussions. Political awareness for teenagers will increase their knowledge of national issues, including them in the national voice when they became of voting age.
Innovative approaches includes using virtual reality (VR), animations, and games. Shout Out UK also intends resources will give teachers a flexible and engaging package that will promote classroom discussions.
Its approach will build political awareness amongst children and teenagers aged 16 to 18 in an immersive environment, aiming to improve the voting rates amongst young Londoners.
The resources will be integrated into the GLA London Curriculum, which delivers free, accessible resources to every school in London.
Matteo Bergamini, Founder and CEO of Shout Out UK, said:
‘The issue is not political apathy itself, it’s why apathy happens. Apathy among young people happens because the system has become so complex that people no longer understand it and so get frustrated by it. We must give schools the tools necessary to deal with this issue. No matter how many times you scream at someone to vote, if that person does not understand the system or why you should care they will never be engaged in the long run, even though they may vote the one time you ask them to.
‘I commend the GLA for pushing the creation of political literacy resources, so that young people across London will have access to up-to-date, innovative, and creative material to help them understand politics’.
The resources, which are suitable for Key Stage Two and Three, will provide teachers with plenty of flexibility. Each topic can be taught as a one-off or combined to create six sessions for a complete overview. Short activities are also available to choose, making them perfect for quick sessions during form or tutor time. Each unit is comprised of numerous activities, allowing each teacher to pick out the options that best match their class, objectives, and other school work. The adaptable nature of the educational resources makes them a valuable addition for schools across London
The London Curriculum uses the capital as inspiration to bring the national curriculum to life at Key Stages Two and Three. The programme offers free teaching resources and signposts to existing educational activities for students. The organisation’s ambition is to be in every school in London, supporting teachers to help their students connect with their communities and city.