In creating the unique National Centre for Citizenship and the Law (NCCL), the Galleries of Justice effectively doubled the size of their innovative education programme, which takes a hands-on, cross-curricular approach to issues of citizenship and personal responsibility.

NCCL has also created a lively educational area called the Citizens' Zone. This incorporates: an activity point for artefact handling, drama, craft and art work; a civil and youth court for debates and interactive mock trials,

fitted with live video recording equipment and an editing suite; a protest point, with resources to stimulate debate; a community gallery for the local community to design its own public exhibitions; a teacher resource centre; online resources; and a café and communication point with a suite of 6 computers. They have also fitted the original civil court with live video recording.

Tim Desmond, Head of Education, says: 'We are delighted to be shortlisted for the Gulbenkian award, to get this far is a real validation of the work we do with young people and it is much their achievement as ours.

'The creation of a national centre for citizenship and the investment that went into it, was a real risk for an Independent museum. However as the need for understanding and practicing good citizenship grows by the day, we believe that the risk has been worth it and bears fruit in the outcomes of our projects and activities.

'Our slogan is "Learn about the Past, Act in the Present, Change the Future", by reaching the shortlist, Gulbenkian have helped us get that much further.'

Comments from teachers, school governors and police officers who have been involved in the NCCL education programmes include:

'The best visit we've been on. The children were really involved and interested.'

'The value to children of these type of visits is immeasurable, as they develop not only further understanding of the subject matter, but also experience important lessons in behaviour and community responsibility.'

'The NCCL has developed a track record in this area which is impressive and, indeed, a sought-after model for reducing crime among young people.'

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