Citizenship (Key Stage 4)
Citizenship Studies is about how people take an active part in democratic politics and work together for a better society, locally, nationally and globally.
We are bombarded with information about things like 9/11, terrorist attacks, war-torn Syria, the Manchester riots, environmental issues, Fairtrade in Africa, HIV and AIDs and people’s lack of rights across the world, but most of us find it hard to either digest or fully understand about these things. Our GCSE gives students the opportunity to learn about power, democracy, the operation of government and the legal system, and the role of the UK in the wider world. Citizenship is not just about sitting in classrooms; this subject gets students out-and-about and involved in the community. Through group work, students explore topical issues that they really care about; they plan to interview people in authority and organise a campaign for action to raise awareness and make a difference.
| Year 10 | Year 11 |
| Theme A: – Living Together in the UK • How have communities developed in the UK? • What is identity? • What are democratic values and where do they come from? • How does local democracy work? Theme B: – Democracy at Work in the UK • Who runs the country? • How does Parliament work? • How is power shared between Westminster and the devolved administrations? • How does the government manage public money? Theme C: – Law and Justice • What is the law for and how does it affect us? • How does the justice system work? • Is crime increasing in society? | Theme D: – Power and Influence • What power and influence can citizens have? • What role and influence should the media have? • Does the UK have power and influence in the wider world? Theme E: – Taking Citizenship Action Students must carry out an in-depth, critical investigation leading to citizenship action. The investigation and action can be based on any aspect or issue arising from the course content and should be designed to have an impact locally, nationally or globally. There are many types of investigation and action that students can take that use different methods and citizenship skills. |