The final public lecture in the Images of Childhood lecture series takes place this evening (Wednesday March 12, 6.30pm) at King's College Conference Centre with consideration of how new perceptions of childhood encourage us to listen to and share the concerns of children about civic and social issues.
Mrs Shucksmith said: "Children's voices are now being heard in many policy areas. How does Education compare with other social policy areas? In a period when concern has been expressed at the apparent unwillingness of young people to become involved in politics and to exercise their vote, this lecture explores whether the resolution to this might come from listening to and encouraging the participation of children in a much broader sense and at a much younger age."
Mrs Shucksmith's talk is the last in an innovative series of six public talks set up by the University of Aberdeen Faculty of Education to raise awareness amongst all those involved in educating young people that various images of childhood exist. Lecture Series organiser, Dr Iain Davidson of the Faculty of Education said: "We have been fortunate to have been able to present a very wide range and diversity of topics and speakers throughout this lecture series. All contributors have added to the debate and presented images of childhood from a variety of perspectives."
The Images of Childhood lecture series has been organised by the University of Aberdeen Faculty of Education in memory of John Darling, a distinguished educational philosopher who was on the staff of the University until he died of cancer in 2002, just after the establishment of the new Faculty of Education. More information is available at website: www.abdn.ac.uk/johndarling.