Why do we learn GCSE Citizenship?
Citizenship Intent
The Citizenship curriculum is intended to engage pupils in the local and global world: to consider their role in and think critically about the political environment. The course is designed to encourage active participation in public and democratic life as informed and active citizens.
Citizenship Studies at GCSE reflects current issues, questions and debates; allowing students to access the main issues of the day and form opinions based on deeper knowledge and understanding of the issues and impacts of modern society.
Aims of Our Citizenship Curriculum:
The Ark Victoria Academy Citizenship curriculum aims to inspire the pupils to understand the four key themes:
- Life in Modern Britain: know and understand what the key principles and values of the UK are, what identity is and how it impacts on citizens, the role of the media and free press, how the UK interacts with international organisations and how to make a difference in society
- Rights and Responsibilities: know and understand the relationships between the state and citizens, the rights, responsibilities and duties of citizens living and the role of law in society and how laws are shaped, enforced and the different systems across the UK
- Politics and Participation: Know and understand what democracy is, how parliamentary democracy operates within the constraint of the UK, how government works and how democratic and non-democratic systems of government are different beyond the UK, how taxes are raised and spent by governments and how national economic and financial policies relate to individuals
- Taking Active Citizenship: use and apply knowledge and understanding as they formulate citizenship enquiries , explore and research citizenship issues and actions, analyse and evaluate information and interpret sources of evidence
The course also focuses on the importance of active citizenship so students engage with topics that they have a passionate interest in and develop skills of research and investigation, problem solving, advocacy and campaigning. It allows students to work individually or as a group in the undertaking of Citizenship Action as well as to develop their ability to analyse and comment on four key themes
Year 10
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Unit 1. Life in Modern Britain (British Values, Identity, the role of the media, international relations, citizens creating change). | Unit 1. Life in Modern Britain (British Values, Identity, the role of the media, international relations, citizens creating change). |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
|
Unit 3. Rights and Responsibilities (the principles) |
Unit 3. Rights and Responsibilities (the principles) |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Unit 2. Active citizenship (understanding the roles of citizens in creating change, an active citizenship investigation). | Unit 2. Active citizenship (understanding the roles of citizens in creating change, an active citizenship investigation). |
Year 11
| Autumn 1 | Autumn 2 |
|---|---|
| Unit 4. Politics and Participation. | Unit 4. Politics and Participation. |
| Spring 1 | Spring 2 |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 and 2 recap revision. | Unit 1 and 2 recap revision. |
| Summer 1 | Summer 2 |
|---|---|
| Revision of all 4 units. | Revision of all 4 units. |