Citizenship

CITIZENSHIP STUDIES GCSE

Introduction

What rights do you have as a citizen of the UK? How are laws made in the UK?

Citizenship Studies GCSE will help you to answer these and many other questions about the modern world; it is designed to help you comprehend the world around you and to understand how to change it. It requires an enquiring mind and a desire to have an impact on society. You will learn how law and politics are used (and misused) around the world and what you can do to tackle some of the injustices people face. If you have strong opinions and like to argue with them, this is the course for you!

Click pictures below to watch a video to find out more about Citizenship and to to read more about careers linked with this option.

CITIZENSHIP STUDIES GCSE

Aims 

The aim of this course is to prepare you to become an active citizen. This means you need to understand how power is held and used around the world and what you, as an individual, can do to influence it. You will learn about law and politics as well as international relations. You will also learn how to successfully run campaigns to effect change in society.

Course Details

The course is divided into four areas of study that are examined over two papers:

Theme 1 – Life in Modern Britain

In this theme students will look at the make-up, values and dynamics of contemporary UK society. They will consider what it means to be British, how our identities are formed and how we have multiple identities. Students will also look at the role and responsibilities of the traditional media, the impact of new media formats and the UK's role in international issues.

Theme 2 – Rights and Responsibilities

In this theme students will look at the nature of laws and the principles upon which laws are based, how the citizen engages with legal processes, how the justice system operates in the UK, how laws have developed over time and how society deals with criminality. Students will also consider how rights are protected, the nature of universal human rights and how the UK participates in international treaties and agreements. This theme also considers how the citizen can both play a part and bring about change within the legal system.

Theme 3 – Politics and Participation

In this theme students will look at the nature of political power in the UK and the core concepts relating to democracy and government. This includes how the government operates at its various levels within the UK, how decisions are made and how the UK parliament works and carries out its functions. It also looks at the role of political parties, the election system, how other countries govern themselves and how citizens can bring about political change.

Theme 4 – Active Citizenship

Whilst the three content-based themes enable students to develop their citizenship knowledge base, this theme is developed around the overarching principle of how citizens can try to make a difference in society. The last section of each theme enables students to explore, through case study approaches and by their own actions, how citizens are able to try to make a difference. This approach is further enhanced through the second question on the Active Citizenship section of Paper 1 where students are required to independently undertake a group investigation into a citizenship issue of their choice which involves research, action and reflection. These two mutually linked elements enable students to understand and assess the actions and experiences of others when undertaking their own investigation.

Assessment

Paper 1 – Active Citizenship & Politics and Participation. 80 marks (50%)

Paper 2 – Life in Modern Britain & Rights and Responsibilities. 80 marks (50%)

Possible careers

Citizenship Studies GCSE leads naturally to a number of A levels and other post-16 courses and would benefit those seeking a career in: Politics, Journalism, Public Services (such as police), Law, Teaching, and any career that requires critical thought and an understanding of the issues we face in the modern world.

Exam board: AQA https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/citizenship-studies/gcse/citizenship-studies-8100/specification

Contact Details

Mrs Hicks-Beresford

Mrs Alice Spiers