Curriculum - Citizenship

Vision and Philosophy

Citizenship education at The Colne aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions and play an active role in their communities. We want our young people to understand how society functions politically, legally, and economically, and to develop the social and moral awareness needed to thrive within it.

Citizenship encourages students to think critically, value diversity, and see themselves as agents of change. We promote democratic values, respect, and fairness, enabling students to explore real-world issues, weigh evidence, debate constructively, and form reasoned arguments as responsible and engaged citizens.

Curriculum Journey

This is a map to show the learning journey in Citizenship from year 6 through to further education and possible careers.

Overview of the learning journey in Citizenship

Year 7

KS3 Citizenship starts through students identifying the importance of rules and laws and how these play a significant role in both their school life and wider society. Students examine how these rules and laws have a link to the rights and freedoms that citizens of the UK enjoy today. Students spend time developing their knowledge of the differences between life in the UK compared to countries where there is less of a focus on rights. Finally, students learn what it means to be an active citizen.

Year 10

In Year 10, students build a strong foundation by exploring two key themes:

Life in Modern Britain

Students examine the make-up of British society, including the values that underpin life in the UK, the impact of diversity, and the role of the media. They learn how British institutions; from Parliament to the justice system, shape everyday life, and they consider the UK’s place in an increasingly interconnected world.

Rights and Responsibilities

Students study the rights and freedoms individuals hold in the UK, where these rights come from, and how they are protected. They learn about key legal principles, the justice system, the role of citizens in upholding rights, and the balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility. This unit develops students’ understanding of law, equality, and ethical decision-making.

Year 11

In Year 11, students apply what they learned in Year 10 to real-world citizenship issues and democratic processes:

Active Citizenship

Students take part in an investigation that requires them to plan, research, and take action on a real social or political issue. This could involve campaigning, raising awareness, volunteering, or working with local organisations. Through this hands-on project, students learn how citizens can influence change at local or national level and reflect on the impact of their actions.

Politics and Participation

Students deepen their understanding of the UK's democratic system, including elections, political parties, the structure of government, and how decisions are made. They learn how citizens’ voices are represented and how people can participate effectively in political life. This unit helps students become confident, informed participants in democracy.