This GCSE explores real life case studies and includes visits to Parliament and Leicester Crown Court so that learning about the Law, Media, Human Rights and Politics are brought to life. By choosing citizenship you will develop your understanding of how society works. This course will help you make sense of the world around you, giving you the knowledge to think critically about challenging political and social issues and space to explore difficult and sensitive topics. The subject builds skills to think, question, explore and debate, to speak out on issues of concern and take action with others.
Citizenship Studies is about how people take an active part in democratic politics and work together for a better society, locally, nationally and globally. During this GCSE course, you will learn about your rights, roles and responsibilities as a young citizen in Britain and in the world by undertaking a social action campaign of your choice. This subject is very compatible with English and History and will add an extra dimension of knowledge to enhance these areas.
The course will comprise of the following topics:
The course will be assessed through 2 exams which are sat at the end of year 11 covering the topics shown below:
Paper 1 – 50% of GCSE grade: Themes A-C
Paper 2 – 50% of GCSE grade: Themes D-E with one question that comes from either Theme A, B or C.
There are no requirements for this course, an interest in law and current affairs is useful as is an interest in active campaigning.
Students can purchase the following recommended revision guide through the school at a discounted price of £2.70 each.
Revise Edexcel GCSE (9-1) Citizenship Studies Revision Guide and Workbook
Career Opportunities
Skills learned in Citizenship are highly transferrable, students that have taken Citizenship have gone to read Law and Politics at university, some have trained to become police officers and paramedics. This course is an excellent foundation for anyone wishing to pursue a career in law, journalism, the media, international relations, politics or the civil service.
Post-16 opportunities
This subject leads into both Law and Politics at A Level and lends itself well to A levels in History, English, Film Studies, Media, Psychology and International Relations. It is the perfect choice if you are interested in the DofE Award as you can use your action as evidence to support this award.