Citizenship education equips children and young people with the knowledge, understanding and skills to play an active part in society as informed and critical citizens who are socially and morally responsible. It aims to give them the confidence and conviction so that they can act with others, have influence and make a difference in their communities.
Students in Key Stage 3 and 4 have a dedicated lesson of Citizenship. The course they follow is modular and is delivered and designed in line with national curriculum guidelines although aspects of the specifications are covered in other curriculum areas and situations.
Where possible the lessons are topical, tailored to the local community and involve a variety of teaching and learning styles and techniques. An outline of topics covered in key stage 3 is given below.
Year 7:
Rules, fairness and participation
Rights and Responsibilities
Citizenship issues
Community activity
Global Citizenship
Year 8:
Local government
The law and how it affects young people
Human rights and responsibilities
Community activity
Global Citizenship
Year 9:
Central government
The Media
Human rights – refugees
Community issues
Global citizenship
Success in Key Stage 3 Citizenship is measured by students Knowledge and understanding of the work covered, the ability to communicate their ideas by means of discussions, presentations and the written word, and active and responsible participation in Citizenship activities.
At Key Stage 4, all students in the year group follow the Edexcel Citizenship short course GCSE. This is delivered over 2 years for one period a week and covers 3 main themes namely human rights and responsibilities, power, politics and the media and the global village.
The programme of study they follow is directly related to the syllabus and includes the completion of a citizenship activity (coursework). To complete the coursework, students must work in groups, selecting and implementing a meaningful activity of their choice. The course content has cross curricular links and it is anticipated that students draw on knowledge gained from other subject areas as well as their own knowledge of current affairs.
The GCSE (short course) is assessed in 2 ways:
40% marks awarded for citizenship coursework activity.
60% marks awarded for examination at end of the 2 year course.
(Section A of the examination relates to the citizenship activity)
The written paper will cover 3 main strands
• A global village
• Power, politics and the media
• Human rights and responsibilities
Departmental Staff Members
Subject Leader: Mrs C Pipes
Teaching Staff: Mrs J Knibbs, Mrs K Carter, Mr K Heslop, Ms M Martin