Plymouth UKYP members lessons for life campaign

Four schools are leading the way in Plymouth by signing a pledge asking the Government to include the seven topics identified in the UK Youth Parliament's campaign for a curriculum to prepare students for life.

Since November 2012 Members and Deputies of UK Youth Parliament have been writing to the Prime Minister, leaders of all parties, Members of Parliament and Academies to push for a Youth Led Review of Citizenship and PSHE education.

In Plymouth, Claudia Marshall and Harry Samuels have been arranging meetings with local head teachers explaining the campaign and asking schools to sign this important pledge which would see life skills featuring heavily in the Curriculum.

Lipson co-operative Academy was the first to sign and is 100% behind the campaign. Other schools who have signed include Devonport High School for Boys, Stoke Damerel Community College and Hele's School.

UKYP Member, Harry Samuels, who attends Devonport High for Boys, said: “It was fantastic to have the education pledge signed. It is a step closer to ensuring that all students, no matter which school they go to, receive high standards of PSHE and citizenship education, which are incredibly valuable to being a well-rounded person.

"Young people believe that lessons are needed to develop student’s political knowledge, better sex and relationship education, cultural awareness, community cohesion, finance skills and sustainable living and teaching staff should be specifically trained to a national standard to deliver citizenship education following the review.”

Councillor Nicky Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “It’s great to see our youth representatives actively lobbying Government to make changes to the curriculum they feel passionate about.

"I fully support their views that education is not just about exams, it’s also about preparing young people for adult life and that requires practical learning about personal finance, wellbeing and life choices.”