GCSE Citizenship
Students will cover a number of topics in the following areas:
Knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens
- The legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society and how they relate to citizens, including the role and operation of the criminal and civil justice systems.
- The origins and implications of the diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding.
- The work of parliament, the government and the courts in making and shaping the law.
- The importance of playing an active part in democratic and electoral processes.
- How the economy functions, including the role of business and financial services.
- The opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about social change locally, nationally, in Europe and internationally.
- The importance of a free press, and the media's role in society, including the internet, in providing information and affecting opinion.
- The rights and responsibilities of consumers, employers and employees.
- The United Kingdom's relations in Europe, including the European Union, and relations with the Commonwealth and the United Nations.
- The wider issues and challenges of global interdependence and responsibility, including sustainable development and Local Agenda 21.
Developing skills of enquiry and communication
- Research a topical political, spiritual, moral, social or cultural issue, problem or event by analysing information from different sources, including ICT-based sources, showing an awareness of the use and abuse of statistics.
- Express, justify and defend orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events.
- Contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in formal debates.
Developing skills of participation and responsible action
- Use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express, explain and critically evaluate views that are not their own.
- Negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in school and community-based activities.
- Reflect on the process of participating.