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Citizenship
So what's it all about? Well, Citizenship is all about you and the role you play in the world. It's about your rights and responsibilities, your actions and decisions and the impact you can have on the right here and right now. In Citizenship you will be asked your point of view on a variety of issues, questioned on your opinion on various issues and encouraged to use your voice!
We cover everything from the rights of the child to what it means to be British. Asking questions concerning the role of the police to legal rights in the court of law, debating whether Jade Goody is right to sell her life story to the 12 year old boy who has just become a dad and more!
Keeping up to date with contemporary issues is vital in Citizenship. You can do this by watching the news and reading newspapers - otherwise the world will pass you by without you even knowing it!
Education for citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. Citizenship encourages them to take an interest in topical and controversial issues and to engage in discussion and debate. Pupils learn about their rights, responsibilities, duties and freedoms and about laws, justice and democracy. They learn to take part in decision-making and different forms of action. They play an active role in the life of their schools, neighbourhoods, communities and wider society as active and global citizens.
Citizenship encourages respect for different national, religious and ethnic identities. It equips pupils to engage critically with and explore diverse ideas, beliefs, cultures and identities and the values we share as citizens in the UK. Pupils begin to understand how society has changed and is changing in the UK, Europe and the wider world.
Citizenship addresses issues relating to social justice, human rights, community cohesion and global interdependence, and encourages pupils to challenge injustice, inequalities and discrimination. It helps young people to develop their critical skills, consider a wide range of political, social, ethical and moral problems, and explore opinions and ideas other than their own. They evaluate information, make informed judgements and reflect on the consequences of their actions now and in the future. They learn to argue a case on behalf of others as well as themselves and speak out on issues of concern.
Citizenship equips pupils with the knowledge and skills needed for effective and democratic participation. It helps pupils to become informed, critical, active citizens who have the confidence and conviction to work collaboratively, take action and try to make a difference in their communities and the wider world.
KS3 Citizenship
At KS3 pupils are introduced to their role as Global citizens. Pupils investigate what it means to be a part of the global community as well as the role they play as an individual. Concepts such as identity and belonging as well as similarities and differences between cultures are explored before evaluating whether or not we really are members of a global village. Pupils will explore the concept of Human Rights – investigating the work of the United Nations and key agencies in ensuring these rights are upheld before completing an indepth study on the life of Street Children across the world.
At Key Stage 3 pupils are introduced to Democracy and the role of Parliament – an detailed study of how laws are passed and MP’s are elected help pupils gain a greater understanding of how this country is run – who knows perhaps the future Prime Minister is in Year 8!
KS4 Citizenship
At Key Stage 4 pupils follow the OCR Citizenship Studies Short Course. All pupils sit the exam. Topics such as Rules and laws, Consumer law, Employment Rights and the Media all give pupils a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities as young adults. Pupils are required to produce 2 pieces of coursework worth 40% of their final mark which is a commentary on their role as active citizens.
Citizenship Short Course is a great pathway for further studies including law, teaching, social, general studies, politics and media.
