We have revised the citizenship programmes of study to direct teaching towards the core knowledge of citizenship at key stages 3 and 4, and to give schools more scope to decide how to teach citizenship. Teaching should develop pupils' understanding of democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Among other things, pupils should be taught about the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities, including opportunities to participate in school-based activities.

In addition, schools may include teaching within personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), a non-statutory subject in a school's curriculum. PSHE equips children with the knowledge and skills to make safe and informed decisions. Teachers are well-placed to judge which topics to cover, tailored to the needs of their pupils and in the context of the school's overall programme.