Citizenship and PSHE
'Education without social action is a one-sided value because it has no true potential.'
Citizenship is at the heart of all communities that people belong to. It is a subject the academy and indeed the Co-op Academies Trust take very seriously. Fundamentally, Citizenship education gives pupils the ability to make sense of and contribute to the world around them and to communicate their opinions confidently and persuasively.
Citizenship is essential in preparing tomorrow’s citizens today, as it gives young people a voice and a platform to communicate their fears, hopes and aspirations for their future -selves. In addition, it embodies the Co-operative values and school ethos and strives to instil in pupils a sense of empowerment about their rights and how to utilise them. Equally however, it also teaches the consequences of not fulfilling their responsibilities as citizens in, not just their local community, but also the wider world.
Citizenship encourages pupils to take ownership of their actions and to find their role in the multicultural, complex and diverse society we live in. As a result, pupils explore controversial yet prevalent topics that are affecting the UK and wider world; and are taught how to rationalise, respond to and advocate for issues that matter to them.
How is the curriculum delivered?
Years 7 and 8: 1 lesson per fortnight of Personal Development. In Term 1, 2 and 3 pupils study PSHRE. In Terms 4, 5 and 6 pupils study Citizenship.
Years 9 and 10 : 1 lesson per fortnight of Personal Development. In Term 1 and 2 pupils study PSHRE. In Terms 3, 4, 5 and 6 pupils study Citizenship
Year 10 GCSE Citizenship: 5 lessons per fortnight
Year 11 GCSE CItizenship: 6 lessons per fortnight
Qualifications offered
GCSE Citizenship Edexcel
Wider learning opportunities
As a department we offer a wide range of extra curricular opportunities, including PRIDE Club, visits from external agencies such as Brook, visits from local and national political leaders.
Links to careers pathways throughout the curriculum
A careers pathways board is displayed in the Personal Development corridor with post-16 information including possible careers open to pupils through the studying of Citizenship.
Particular lesson resources incorporate some examples of how the Citizenship studied within that unit could be used in a given career - for example relating the criminal justice system to the police force or government to civil service careers.
The links below explain what knowledge, understanding and skills pupils learn about in Citizenship and PHSE for each year group, as well as how they are assessed.