The overarching theme of this specification is ‘How citizens can try to make a difference’. This aim is supported by three content themes: Life in modern Britain, Rights and responsibilities and Politics and participation.

• Life in modern Britain - looks at the make-up and dynamics of contemporary society, what it means to be British, as well as the role of the media and the UK’s role on the world stage.

• Rights and responsibilities - looks at the nature of laws, rights and responsibilities within the UK and has a global aspect due to the nature of international laws, treaties and agreements by which the UK abides.

• Politics and participation - aims to give the student, through an understanding of the political process, the knowledge and skills necessary to understand how to resolve issues, bring about change, and how the empowered citizen is at the heart of our society.

Pupils will gain a deeper knowledge of democracy, government and law, and develop skills to create sustained and reasoned arguments, present various viewpoints and plan practical citizenship actions to benefit society.

They will also gain the ability to recognise bias, critically evaluate argument, weigh evidence and look for alternative interpretations and sources of evidence, all of which are essential skills valued by higher education and employers.

• Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A: Active Citizenship - questions on the citizenship action of others and questions on the student’s own citizenship action.

Section B: Politics and Participation questions.

• Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes

Section A: Life in Modern Britain questions.

Section B: Rights and Responsibilities questions.