The global dimension is now a mainstream, cross-cutting theme within the UK school curriculum.

In 2008, Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced: "I want to see the teaching of global issues given more weight in our schools and colleges - and already we have taken steps to make issues like globalisation, environmental sustainability and citizenship a core part of the curriculum.

For it is only through education that we will foster citizens with the conviction to speak out against world poverty, that we will find the creativity we need to tackle climate change and that we will produce the next generation of social entrepreneurs. Only by sharing best practice in education can we equip our young people with the ability to be truly global citizens."

Underlying the notion of a global dimension to the curriculum are eight key concepts. These underpin many curriculum areas. They are:

1. Global Citizenship: gaining the knowledge skills and understanding of concepts and institutions necessary to become informed, active, responsible citizens.
2. Conflict Resolution: understanding the nature of conflicts, their impact on development and why there is a need for their resolution and the promotion of harmony.
3. Social Justice: understanding the importance of social justice as an element in both sustainable development and the improved welfare of all people.
4. Values and Perceptions: developing a critical evaluation of representations of global issues and an appreciation of the effect these have on people's attitudes and values.
5. Sustainable Development: understanding the need to maintain and improve the quality of life now without damaging the planet for future generations.
6. Interdependence: understanding how people, places, economies and environments are all inextricably interrelated, and that choices and events have repercussions on a global scale.
7. Human Rights: knowing about human rights including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
8. Diversity: understanding and respecting differences and relating these to our common humanity.

For further information on embedding the global dimension across the curriculum go to
www.globaldimension.org.uk.