Earlier this year CADA NI submitted a formal paper to the ongoing Northern Ireland Curriculum Review, urging greater emphasis on Global Citizenship Education (GCE) across all stages of schooling.
The submission, produced by CADA NI’s Global Citizenship Education Working Group, recognises the existing strengths of the curriculum – particularly its flexibility and emphasis on active citizenship – but highlights critical areas for development to ensure the curriculum keeps pace with a rapidly changing global landscape.
Key recommendations include:
- Introducing climate change education from the earliest stages, with a clear focus on climate justice and sustainability.
- Enhancing critical media literacy to help students evaluate misinformation and navigate digital spaces responsibly.
- Expanding content to include diverse global perspectives, especially from the Global South, to avoid reinforcing stereotypes.
- Creating space for social and emotional learning and active participation to help young people engage meaningfully with global issues.
The submission also calls for a dedicated subject area that supports students in understanding their role in shaping a fairer and more sustainable world. View the full submission below.