Departments> Citizenship

Citizenship is an exciting new subject that teaches students about the world around them. Education for Citizenship equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. Citizenship encourages them to take an interest in topical and controversial issues and to engage in discussion and debate. Pupils learn about their rights, responsibilities, duties and freedoms and about, justice and democracy. They learn to take part in decision-making and different forms of action. They play an active role in the life of their schools, neighbourhoods, communities and wider society as active and global citizens.

Citizenship encourages respect for how different national, religious and ethnic identities have formed the British culture. It equips students to engage critically with and explore diverse ideas, beliefs, cultures and identities and the values as citizens in the UK. Pupils begin to understand how society has changed and is changing in the UK, Europe and the wider world.

Citizenship addresses issues relating to social justice, human rights, community cohesion and global interdependence, and encourages pupils to challenge injustices, inequalities and discrimination. It helps young people to develop their critical skills, consider a wide range of political, social, ethical and moral problems, and explore opinions and ideas other than their own. They evaluate information, make informed judgements and reflect on the consequences of their actions now and in the future.  They learn to argue a case on behalf of others as well as themselves and speak out on issues of concern.

The citizenship department is also responsible for the delivery of sex and relationship education, careers and economical and financial independence. The department ensures that pupils are adequately prepared for life outside of school.

During Key Stage 3, pupils are given the foundations for future exploration of their beliefs and ideas. We attempt to ensure that pupils are able to engage in debates about matters that affect them and to be able to offer opinions based on evidence to support their views.

Key Stage 4 is aimed at pupils achieving a short course GCSE. In the future the department will offer a wide range of qualifications to ensure that all pupils are able to achieve a C or equivalent grade at GCSE.

The subject is further developed in Key Stage 5 through AS level Social Science: Citizenship and Government and Politics during year 12. This means that some pupils are able to achieve the equivalent of a full A level in one year. During year 13 pupils study Critical Thinking and General Studies at AS level.

The department also relies on activities outside the classroom. There are annual trips both to London to visit the Houses of Parliament and to New York to attend the International Citizenship conference. We also invite outside experts into the school to address issues as wide ranging as consumer affairs and teenage pregnancy.