ABSTRACT
Citizenship is about each of us having a personal stake in the community. Knowledge of rights, responsibilities, law and history is necessary; but the experience of taking part and making the world a better place is central. Schools are charged by the 1988 Education Reform Act to 'prepare pupils for the responsibilities and experiences of adult life'. Educators in the public, private and voluntary sectors are increasingly realising the value of systematically inviting adult volunteers into school to work alongside teachers in supporting students in their formal studies and other activities. 'The voluntary acceptance of responsibility for the well being of others is the hallmark of democracy,' said Lady Margaret Simey speaking of her work with the voluntary movement in Liverpool. The habit of contributing creatively to the well being of the community cannot be learnt too young. 'Schools are no longer isolated learning monasteries,' points out Leslie Silverlock, previously of Somerset Local Education Authority.
