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WHY STUDY CITIZENSHIP?

Choosing to study Citizenship will provide you with the key knowledge and skills needed to play an active role in our society and better understand the systems that govern our country. 

Building on the basic knowledge you obtained in your Year 7 and 8 Citizenship classes, you will explore historical and current political, social, and moral issues, developing your own point of view and challenging your perceptions of the world around you. You will debate ideas, make persuasive arguments, rationalise the viewpoints of others and justify your conclusions.

This means you will be learning about how different communities and society work, becoming knowledgeable about politics, law and the media. In addition, the key skills you will develop link closely with other subjects such as History, Geography, Sociology and Ethical Studies.

You will develop practical skills by carrying out an active citizenship project investigating an issue that interests you. You will do this by conducting research, interpretating evidence, planning and carrying out action, working with others, problem-solving, and evaluating your work. These skills are really useful as you prepare for life long after school. 

DESCRIPTION OF COURSE

GCSE Citizenship covers three themes: Life in modern Britain, Rights and responsibilities and Politics and participation. 

Life in modern Britain looks at our society and what it means to be British, as well as the role of the media and the UK’s role internationally.

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 which impact the UK.

Politics and participation aims to give you, through an understanding of the political process, the knowledge and skills necessary to understand how to resolve issues and bring about change.

For Paper 1 you are required to undertake an investigation into a citizenship issue of your own choice which involves research, action and reflection.

GCSE Citizenship also provides ideal preparation for A-Level studies in Politics, History and other subjects.

HOW WILL STUDENTS BE ASSESSED

You are assessed through 2 written exams each worth 50% of the final grade.

Question types multiple-choice, short answer, source-based questions, extended answer.

Paper 1: Section A: Active citizenship (including questions based on the your own investigation) 

Section B: Politics and participation

Paper 2: Section A: Life in modern Britain 

Section B: Rights and responsibilities

CAREERS LINKS

Studying Citizenship will develop your ability to recognise bias, critically evaluate arguments, weigh evidence and look for alternative interpretations and sources of evidence, all of which are essential skills valued by higher education and employers.

The skills and knowledge you will develop when studying Citizenship provide a sound basis for all professions. Your wide range of transferable skills will lend naturally to a career in politics, law, education, journalism, the public sector and the charity sector. 

Further information on this specification is available from the qualification website:

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/citizenship/gcse/citizenship-studies-8100

KEY CONTACT AT TGAS Mrs K Richards