PSHE

Citizenship is a whole school theme which is co-ordinated by one member of staff. It is taught under the umbrella of Self & Society, which also consists of 3 other subjects each year (comprised from Religious Education, Health & Environment, Careers and Finance).

Citizenship Studies aims to prepare you for life as citizens of a democracy. It will make you aware of your rights and responsibilities, inform you about the social and political world, and provide you with the opportunity to become active in your own community.

It will:

  • Allow you to develop and apply knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens through and alongside the development of skills of enquiry, communication, participation and responsible action;
  • Explore local, national and international issues, problems and events of current interest;
  • Give you the opportunity to critically evaluate your participation within a school and/or a community-based activity.

“Citizenship is more than a subject. If taught well and tailored to local needs, its skills and values will enhance
democratic life for all of us, both rights and responsibilities, beginning in school and radiating out.”

— Bernard Crick, National Curriculum Citizenship, 1999
 

Key Stage 3 Key Stage 4 Key Stage 5

In year 7 each student are taught an integrated programme of PSE, Citizenship and Religious Education.

This is taught once a week by their form tutors. Subjects relating to citizenship include:

  • Rights & Responsibilities
  • My School & The Community
  • Planning a community event

In Year 8 students study 2 units: Law, Crime & Rules and Human Rights & Refugees. This is backed up by a theatre in Education Program aimed at reducing Knife crime called ‘It’s no Joke’.

This year we introduced a new short course GCSE in Citizenship. Students are following the AQA course. This course has been introduced in both year 9 and year 10.

There are two main course books:

Citizenship Studies for AQA GCSE short Course –Mike Mitchell, David Jones, David Worden, Edward Waller and GCSE Citizenship Studies for AQA – Joan Campbell & Sue Patrick.

Citizenship Studies at KS5 is part of an integrated programme of Self & Society.