CITIZENSHIP
"Individual commitment to a group effort - that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work."
- Vince Lombardi
"Vision without action is merely daydreaming. Action without vision is passing the time. But vision with action can change the world."
- Nelson Mandela
OUR CURRICULUM INTENT
The citizenship and politics curriculum aims to inspire inquisitive minds to be brave, inquisitive, independent, active global citizens that are engaged and empowered to change the world.
In order to build a quality education that is broad and balanced, Citizenship must take a central role. It is still part of the national curriculum and therefore its inclusion in our curriculum ensures students receive a wide learning experience. We, therefore, provide ample opportunity to deliver citizenship concepts through all key stages.
“Inspiring inquisitive MINDS to be active and engaged global citizens, EMPOWERED TO make a CHANGE”
SUBJECT CURRICULUM JOURNEY OVERVIEW
STUDENT LEARNING RESOURCES & GUIDES
The button below will navigate to a series of resources which will support the development of skills and techniques and understanding of the subject.
KS4 & KS5 EXAM BOARDS
At GCSE we follow the Edexcel Citizenship specification. This covers a broad range of the following five core themes:
Theme A: Living together 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.
Throughout the GCSE, students explore a range of issues that are current and relevant to the GCSE specification. They are also given an opportunity to work in small groups on a campaign project linking to Theme E. Students often develop campaigns on a range of issues and engage people in a position of power to make a change.
What is the Citizenship exam like?
Over the last 5 years Citizenship students have performed extremely well. There are two externally examined papers both weighing 50% and each lasting for 1 hour 45 minutes. There are a range of questions in each exam paper, ranging from 1 mark to 15 marks.
Special Features
Wider Curriculum - Debate Club
Trips - Parliament
Politics
The natural progression from Citizenship from KS4 to KS5 is A Level Politics .
At A Level we follow the Edexcel Politics specification. Politics is the study of the nature, causes, and consequences of collective decisions and actions taken by groups of people embedded in cultures and institutions that structure power and authority. Politics is everywhere and everything is political. With the rise of Trump and Brexit, it has never been a more interesting time to study politics. Through discussion, debate and deliberation, you will get to explore a range of issues from UK and US politics.
What might the subject lead to...
This subject could lead to higher education and is useful for degrees in History, Law, Economics, Politics, Social Studies and International Relations. Therefore ideal for anyone considering work in Law, Education, Journalism or Public Relations.
Unit Guide
In the new, linear programme you will study the following:
Component 1: UK Politics (9PLO/01)
(2 hour exam)
84 marks - 33.3% of overall A-level
CONTENT
Section A: Political participation
Democracy and participation
Political parties
Electoral systems
Voting behaviour & the media
Component 2: UK Government (9PLO/02)
(2 hour exam)
84 marks - 33.3% of overall A-level
CONTENT
Section A: UK Government
The constitution
Parliament
PM and executive
Relationships between the branches Section
Component 3: Comparative Ideas (9PLO/3A)
(2 hour exam)
84 marks - 33.3% of overall A-level
CONTENT
USA
The Constitution and Federalism
US Congress
US Presidency
US Supreme Court and Civil Rights
Democracy and Participation
Comparative Theory
ASSESSMENT
Section A:
Answer 1 30 mark question with source (choice of two)
Answer 1 30 mark question without source (choice of two)
Section B: Core political ideas
Conservatism, Socialism, Liberalism
Answer 1 24 mark question (choice of two)
ASSESSMENT
Section A:
Answer 1 30 mark question with source (choice of two)
Answer 1 30 mark question without source (choice of two)
Section B: Non-core political ideas
Multiculturalism
Answer 1 24 mark question (choice of two)
ASSESSMENT
Section A:
Answer 1 12 mark question (choice of two)
Section B:
Answer 1 compulsory 12 mark question
Section C:
Answer 2 30 mark questions (choice of three)
Examples of students campaign 2017-2018
Justice For Grenfell Campaign 2018
Special Features
You will visit the Houses of Parliament during the first year, giving you a fascinating insight into what happens inside one of the most important buildings in the world.
CITIZENSHIP & POLITICS WHOLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM CONTRIBUTION
What are the core skills students develop in our subject?
Citizenship education develops knowledge, skills and understanding in order to take part in society as active and engaged citizens.
Active participation in both topical and controversial issues to help to create a society of politically literate students, who can confidently voice their opinions on the democratic processes in the UK.
One way this is achieved is by placing oracy at the heart of the Citizenship curriculum. By incorporating debate, discussion and deliberation, students foster a love of talk which enables them to become confident speakers, critical thinkers and empowered citizens.
What are the big ideas in our subject?
We believe in the importance of building the whole child.
Citizenship education develops knowledge, skills and understanding in order to take part in society as active and engaged citizens.
It empowers students to become informed citizens
How do we ensure we support the development of core skills?
By providing opportunities for authentic learning experiences and repetition level of challenge. The topics covered will give pupils an understanding in a variety of areas including the core principles.
What motivates and interests our students?
Students learn about people; their local, national and global community, democracy, British Values, the role of Parliament, elections, the power of the media, human rights, crime, justice, the law and most importantly how to take action through campaigning. Through this, students not only are able to build transferable skills that will support them in later life, but they are able to have an impact in order to change the world. Through exploring real-life issues and events in Citizenship, learning becomes authentic and relevant at Aylward Academy.
How do we ensure consistency across the key stages?
By making sure that all Key Stages are treated as important. Each key stage should link with the learning being filtered down from top to bottom.