Inside Information - getting to grips with citizenship
"Inside Information" is a teaching resource for use in Young Offender
Institutions, which the Institute for Citizenship has developed in partnership with
Offenders' Learning and Skills Unit Department for Education and Skills and
City College Manachester. Development began at a time when very little in the way of support, knowledge enhancement and skills development was available with this audience in mind. "Inside Information" was designed
to fill that gap.
The majority of young prisoners have low educational attainment, and self-esteem and motivation are poor. "Inside Information" is aimed at 14-21 year olds (entry level) and seeks to develop the knowledge, skills and understanding that young people need to be full and participating members of the community.
Citizenship fits well with the aims of education in Young Offender Institutions and Prisons. It works from the students' own experiences to eventual considerations of the outside world; it aims to develop tolerance, acceptance and empathy. Thus it is an excellent preparation for release from custody into the community.
"Inside Information" uses methods that incorporate the key principles of active citizenship. Working in pairs and groups is encouraged to develop the key skills of communication and writing, and to provide opportunities for sharing. Students are encouraged to find out the information they need from everyday sources, which helps to engage students with tutors and other adults working in the prison. Wherever possible students will be challenged to undertake practical activities as part of the learning process to emphasize that citizenship is about making a real contribution.
The course is based upon student-centred learning. It has been developed as a stimulus to generate learning and allow students to explore, to reflect and to express themselves. The materials are arranged in five sections:
- Sharing our Community
- Improving our Community
- Running our Country
- Sharing our Planet
- Media & Communication
For further details about "Inside Information", please refer to our Resources section.