Subject Introduction

The Citizenship Department at Cressex Community School aims to ensure that all students experience a broad and engaging curriculum of study, so that they may all be active and engaged citizens in the United Kingdom.  In the turbulent modern times that our students grow up in, we are consistently reinforcing the belief in our core values of democracy, tolerance, diversity, freedom and equality. We feel that the promotion of these values will allow our students to understand how modern nations develop and flourish.  Throughout all topics the teaching staff provide an unbiased approach and enable the students to come to their own personal points of view

Key Stage 3 Information

In Year 7 students study 3 topics: Identity and Community, UK Government and Parliament, Human Rights around the World. Through these topics students consider their own identity and their role in the community, local and global.  Students consider what is meant by the term ‘Britishness’ and explore factors that contribute to our diverse society.  Students study the democratic system in the UK including the voting system and the role of MPs in democracy.  Finally, students consider whether everyone in the world has human rights, using case studies

In Year 8 students study 3 topics: My Voice, Youth Crime, and Active Citizenship. Through these topics students consider the importance of free speech in a democracy and consider how citizens can influence the government in the UK and bring about change both at a local and national level. Students learn about the nature of rules and laws in the UK justice system including the role of the police and courts. Finally, students explore how to bring about change or raise awareness of a particular topic through undertaking an active citizen project

Key Stage 4 Information

At key stage 4 students prepare for the OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies examination. GCSE Citizenship is split up into 4 components: Rights, The Law and the Legal System in England and Wales; Democracy and Government; The UK and the Wider World; Citizenship Action.  Students study all 4 components every year, each year exploring the topics in more depth. This course enables students to deepen their knowledge of democracy and government, the law, rights and responsibilities, and how we live together in society.  Skills students develop over the course will enable them to think critically, evaluate evidence, debate ideas, make persuasive arguments and justify their own opinion.  The Citizenship GCSE culminates in 3 exams which cover all aspects of the 4 components studied.

Citizenship Curriculum Map All Years