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School education- politics

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yo its me
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Did you have political education at school?
Some posts in here make me wonder and some of my friends who don't vote- I think that's the main reason, they just don't have the interest to try to understand how they want to use their vote.
We had PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) but it was a 'doss' lesson (as in free to switch off/ catch up with homework/ send messages to friends). Now that my children are going through the school system (they're in the years from nursery to Uni) I really wish this was a serious lesson for everyone. So much potential learning in this time (well it was only given a hour a week). Even if we'd watched the news or debated a subject we'd all have learned something during that time. It wasn't compulsory there was talk of it becoming, but I guess with covid it's been less of a priority.

In your childhood country, from the education you were given; were you taught about the politics of your own country? Or did you look into it yourself in adulthood perhaps? and what inspired you if this is the case. Or were your parents discussing politics at home?

I ask my kids what they think- I get mixed enthusiasm from their responses!

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@yo-its-me said
Did you have political education at school?
Some posts in here make me wonder and some of my friends who don't vote- I think that's the main reason, they just don't have the interest to try to understand how they want to use their vote.
We had PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) but it was a 'doss' lesson (as in free to switch off/ catch up with homework/ send me ...[text shortened]... ing politics at home?

I ask my kids what they think- I get mixed enthusiasm from their responses!
I thinks it’s previous incarnation would’ve been ‘modern studies’ included politics, social policy, economics etc at very basic levels.

yo its me
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@kevcvs57 said
I thinks it’s previous incarnation would’ve been ‘modern studies’ included politics, social policy, economics etc at very basic levels.
Was that at secondary school age?
Out of interest, did you learn enough to be interested in the parties in it?

I just looked up if it's compulsory and it apparently is now, but I don't see any mention of politics- it's diverted a little to teaching children to understand we're all of equal value. Just as needed, indeed.
https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/news/key-questions-mandatory-pshe-requirements-health#:~:text=1.,in%20all%20schools%20from%202020.

Ponderable
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We did have poltics (even though they changed the name to Gemeinschaftskunde the year before I got it...). We learned the working of our (and the DDR) political system

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@yo-its-me said
Was that at secondary school age?
Out of interest, did you learn enough to be interested in the parties in it?

I just looked up if it's compulsory and it apparently is now, but I don't see any mention of politics- it's diverted a little to teaching children to understand we're all of equal value. Just as needed, indeed.
https://www.pshe-association.org.uk/news/key-questions-mandatory-pshe-requirements-health#:~:text=1.,in%20all%20schools%20from%202020.
Wiki
“Modern Studies helps you develop knowledge and understanding of the processes that determine political, social and economic life. These processes are studied locally, nationally and internationally.
Modern Studies helps you develop important skills. For example you will become better at critically evaluating information, analysing complex sources and report writing. In some instances, the skills involved in using information technology will also be developed.
Together, the knowledge you acquire and the skills you develop will allow you to become a more informed individual, able to participate more effectively in society in a more tolerant and responsible manner.”

Yeah it covers politics in a general sense such as systems of government etc and I think it’s a loose enough for teachers to look at certain aspects in more depth but you cannot force that sort of information on a teenager. I took it as a mature student and really enjoyed it and when studied alongside classes such as economic history and history it can help to give you a good grasp of the political landscape.

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@kevcvs57 said
Wiki
“Modern Studies helps you develop knowledge and understanding of the processes that determine political, social and economic life. These processes are studied locally, nationally and internationally.
Modern Studies helps you develop important skills. For example you will become better at critically evaluating information, analysing complex sources and report writing. ...[text shortened]... uch as economic history and history it can help to give you a good grasp of the political landscape.
It looks much better than PSHE.
What a shame that's not taught in schools here. It seams to be a Scottish thing.

Yeah so true about teenagers. I have three. One is studying history and sociology, and I had hoped to engage them in discussing politics- no luck so far. I'm looking forward to hearing their views as they grow into adults. My oldest has some fantastic ideas, she looked at the youth parliament a few years ago, but decided it took up too much time. She's always been a bit more interested in the world around her.

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@ponderable said
We did have poltics (even though they changed the name to Gemeinschaftskunde the year before I got it...). We learned the working of our (and the DDR) political system
Was that in your teens?

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