Citizenship

Mission Statement

At Tudor Grange Solihull we believe high-quality citizenship education helps to provide students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them to play a full and active part in society. In particular, citizenship education should foster pupils’ keen awareness and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld. Teachers will equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. We will also prepare pupils to take their place in society as responsible citizens, manage their money well and make sound financial decisions.

Students will be taught the three core skills of Citizenship: to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. These skills are crucial for students to be able to fully understand the world around them and to be able to make informed judgements and form opinions on issues they are exposed to on the news and across social media. The Character and Tudor habits are embedded throughout Citizenship, with students studying a wide range of social issues that exist in today’s society. There is a particular focus on tolerance, respect, empathy and responsibility. We feel that these values will equip students with the necessary tools to be upstanding members of their local communities. Students will be exposed to a variety of differing viewpoints throughout their time studying Citizenship. These range from the debate over the age of criminal responsibility, to whether or not social media firms should be held more accountable for the content their users post. Through studying Citizenship at Tudor Grange Academy Solihull, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically. This will allow students to develop informed opinions and be confident in sharing those opinions with their peers.

In years 7 and 8 all students have timetabled Citizenship lessons each week, whereas in years 9, 10 and 11, Citizenship is delivered through their RSHE lessons. Students also have an opportunity to take their learning outside the classroom by attending sessions held by external speakers or going on school trips such as the year 9 trip to the National Justice Museum in Nottingham.

Aims

Our aims follow those of the national curriculum, which states all pupils will:

acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of how the United Kingdom is governed, its political system and how citizens participate actively in its democratic systems of government
develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of law and the justice system in our society and how laws are shaped and enforced
develop an interest in, and commitment to, participation in volunteering as well as other forms of responsible activity, that they will take with them into adulthood
are equipped with the skills to think critically and debate political questions, to enable them to manage their money on a day-to-day basis, and plan for future financial needs.

Further aims

We strive to develop pupils’ character and equip them with the required knowledge and understanding to enable them to flourish in society.
Lessons will promote an investigative mindset and encourage students to tackle ethical and moral issues in a balanced and respectful way.
Students should develop the ability to recognise the difference between right and wrong and to apply this, not just in school, but in the wider community.

Overview of year 7 – 8

Throughout years 7,8 and 9, students are exposed to a variety of topics on social issues of the day and a study of the development of the UK’s political system and skills to prepare them for life after school.