Citizenship

Citizenship is taught by:

Citizenship

“To build a better future for myself by becoming a responsible, respectful and active citizen and making positive decisions about my wellbeing.”

How will I do this?

1. By exploring how the fundamental British Values shapes modern Britain.
2. By exploring concepts of identity.
3. By exploring topical national and global issues.
4. By exploring the challenges of creating a happy and successful adult life.
5. By exploring how to build high levels of self-efficacy.

At little Ilford School we use the AQA Citizenship specification. It is taught over 2 years in Year 10 and Year 11.  The course is 100% examination and consists of 2 examination papers  with a duration of 1 hour 45 minutes each.

Over the two years students will;

• understand the range of methods and approaches that can be used by governments, organisations, groups and individuals to address citizenship issues in society, including practical citizenship actions
• formulate citizenship enquiries, identifying and sequencing research questions to analyse citizenship ideas, issues and debates
• present their own and other viewpoints and represent the views of others, in relation to citizenship issues, causes, situations and concepts
• critically evaluate the effectiveness of citizenship actions to assess progress towards the intended aims and impact for the individuals, groups and communities affected

Citizenship is taught by:

Ms R Amin CTL for Citizenship and RSHE

Ms S Akhtar CTL for Citizenship and RSHE

Year 10

Students will learn about:

What is active citizenship and plan and organise an advocacy to raise awareness.

This specification is developed around the overarching principle of how citizens can try to make a difference in society. Whilst the three content-based themes enable students to develop their citizenship knowledge base, the last section of each theme enables students to explore through case study approaches and by their own actions how citizens are able to try to make a difference. The first question posed on the Active Citizenship section of Paper 1 relates to understanding citizenship actions and includes a source-based question relating to a citizenship action scenario. This approach is further enhanced through the second question on the Active Citizenship section of Paper 1 where students are required to undertake an investigation into a citizenship issue of their own choice which involves research, action and reflection. These two mutually linked elements enable students to understand and assess the actions of others and draw upon others' experiences when undertaking their own investigation.

Life in Modern Britain

In this theme students will look at the make-up, values and dynamics of contemporary UK society. They will consider what it means to be British, how our identities are formed and how we have multiple identities. Students will also look at the role and responsibilities of the traditional media, the impact of new media formats and the UK's role in international issues.

Rights and responsibilities

In this theme students will look at the nature of laws and the principles upon which laws are based, how the citizen engages with legal processes, how the justice system operates in the UK, how laws have developed over time and how society deals with criminality. Students also consider how rights are protected, the nature of universal human rights and how the UK participates in international treaties and agreements.  This theme also considers how the citizen can both play a part and bring about change within the legal system.

Year 11

Students will learn about:

Politics and participation

In this theme students will look at the nature of political power in the UK and the core concepts relating to democracy and government. This includes how the government operates at its various levels within the UK, how decisions are made and how the UK parliament works and carries out its functions. It also looks at the role of political parties, the election system, how other countries govern themselves and how the citizens can bring about political change.

Active Citizenship

In this theme, students advocate and raise awareness about a chosen issue within our society.  Students work in groups to identify different methods of campaigning and will evaluate the success and challenges of each method.  Through the use of exam practice questions within lesson time, students will have the opportunity to reflect on their project.

Assessment

Students are assessed frequently every half term. This is done in a variety of ways through content quiz’s, recall activities, 4m and 8m exam practise. Students will be assessed on key areas of knowledge and understanding and evaluative skills.

Home learning (frequency and expectations)

Students will be set homework fortnightly which will be easily accessible via Show My Homework and Google Classroom.

Students are expected to complete their homework on time and ensure they submit their work on time.

How parents/carers can support their child

Parents/Carers can support their child by checking their diaries and looking on Show My Homework. You can also encourage your child to read through reputable newspapers and keep up with current affairs by watching the news.

Name of the person in the department who parents can contact if they need more information about the Citizenship syllabus: Ms S Akhtar, Ms R Amin

Possible careers include:

Citizenship/History graduates can take their pick from a huge variety of careers.

Useful Websites:

AQA Citizenship GCSE

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news

How parents or other members of other public can find out more about the citizenship curriculum/syllabus:

http://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/citizenship/gcse