Citizenship
Overview
Citizenship education allows pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of the role of politics in relation to current issues that impact on modern society. It engages them with what it means to be an active citizen and prepares them for the next step in today’s globalised world.
Citizenship education is statutory in all state maintained schools, and at EGA, KS4 Citizenship is currently delivered through the year 9 skills programme. During these sessions, pupils are challenged to engage in discussions about our global communities and to develop critical thinking skills and skills of enquiry.
From September 2017 we will be teaching the Edexcel new specification full course GCSE in Citizenship. This option will be beneficial to those students who have an interest in current and historical political issues, and those who may which to study history, law or politics at a higher level post 16.
In this course pupils will be exploring ideas in depth around:
- Theme A: Living in the UK
- Theme B: Democracy at work in the UK
- Theme C: Law and Justice
- Theme D: Power and influence
- Theme E: Taking citizenship action.
Curriculum Content
Citizenship at KS3
At KS3 students are encouraged to take an active interest in political engagement and active citizenship.
In year 7 students will learn about the democratic system ad will have the opportunity to discuss and debate current issues in their SPSHE lessons and in Thought for the Week.
In Year 8 students will investigate a social issue and develop this work into a campaign to advocate for a particular cause. Students will also explore in greater depth the constitution and the UK Parliamentary system.
Promoting British Values
We believe that our school promotes the basic British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance for those of different faiths and beliefs.
This ensures young people understand the importance of respect and leave school fully prepared for life in modern Britain.
At EGA we understand the importance of our students learning how citizens can influence decision-making through the democratic process. This is achieved through teaching:
- an understanding that the freedom to hold other faiths and beliefs is protected in law.
- an acceptance that people having different faiths or beliefs to oneself (or having none) should be accepted and respected, and should not be the cause of prejudicial or discriminatory behaviour.
- an understanding of the importance of identifying and combatting discrimination.
Study at Home for KS3
- Folens – Citizenship and PSHE (Books 1-3)
- Collins – Your Life (Books 1-4)
- YouTube
- Amnesty
- BBC Website
Study at Home for KS4
- BBC Website
- 4OD
- YouTube
- Citizenship Today (Edexcel endorsed textbook)
- Collins Revision – GCSE Citizenship
Recent Events
Trips to the Royal Courts of Justice for GCSE Citizenship
Gamechangers social mobility writing competition in conjunction with Hogan Lovells
Contact
Please contact the Head of SPSHE, admin@egas.islington.sch.uk, if you would like more information about the course.