This element of Paper 1 assesses the nature of active citizenship and draws on how citizens can make a difference.

Topics covered: 

• Making a difference in society

• Contemporary social issues

• Taking Citizenship Action

• Evaluating the actions of others

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 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 the citizen can bring about political change.

Topics covered:

• Political power in the UK 

• Local and devolved government 

• Where does political power reside?

• How do others govern themselves?

• Bringing about political change.

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.

Topics covered: 

• Principles and values in British society

• Identity

• The media and the free press

• The UK's role in key international organisations

• Making a difference in society

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 consider also 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.

Topics covered: 

• Laws in contemporary society

• Rights and responsibilities within the legal system

• How laws protect the citizen and deal with criminal

• Universal human rights

• Bringing about change in the legal system