Equality & Diversity: Building a Culture of Equality in Our Society; A Citizenship Education Resource for Transition Year and Key Stage 4

This resource is intended to support young people in critically exploring the concepts of equality and diversity and in acting to build a culture of equality within their own environment and within society. Looking specifically at equality and diversity within the school, community and society, the resource provides an opportunity for students to increase their knowledge and understanding of equality, develop the skills to critically analyse inequality, and become empowered to actively promote equality within their school and/or community.

The resource is intended primarily for use in Citizenship Education in Transition Year (Ireland) and Key Stage 4 (Northern Ireland). As a resource on equality and diversity, it is clearly based on human rights, which underpin the citizenship curricula in both jurisdictions. It meets the aims of the KS 4 curriculum for Local and Global Citizenship by helping students:

• Respond to the specific challenges and opportunities which diversity and inclusion present in Northern Ireland and the wider world
• Identify and exercise their rights and social responsibilities in relation to local, national and global issues
• Develop their understanding of the role of society and government in safeguarding individual and collective rights in order to promote equality and to ensure that everyone is treated fairly
• Develop their understanding of how to participate in a range of democratic processes
• Develop awareness of key democratic institutions and their role in promoting inclusion, justice and democracy.