Citizenship Studies

Subject intent

Studying Citizenship will help students to be leaders in their chosen field because they will develop the knowledge and skills to be active and engaged citizens.

Subject links to HSAEL values

Citizenship takes students out of their comfort zone (and shows growth) and helps students to be leaders in their chosen field by equipping them with the critical thinking skills to analyse complex issues and propose solutions. They learn to advocate for positive change and inspire others to get involved.

It helps students tackle social injustice (and demonstrate responsibility) by helping students tackle social injustice by equipping them with knowledge about human rights, equality, and the law. They learn to identify and challenge discrimination and develop the skills to advocate for a fairer society.

It helps promote ambition by fostering a sense of agency and empowerment. Students learn how their actions can impact their communities and the world around them. This inspires them to set ambitious goals and work towards positive change.

It celebrates diversity (compassion) by encouraging students to appreciate different cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs. They learn to empathise with others and understand the importance of inclusivity. This fosters a more compassionate and respectful society.

It helps students develop independence (excellence) by teaching them critical research skills to evaluate information from various sources. This empowers them to think for themselves, form informed opinions, and make independent decisions.

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 9					Theme A- Living together in the UK	Theme B- Democracy at work in the UK
Year 10	Theme C- Law and Justice	Theme D- Power and Influence	Theme E- Taking Citizenship Action	Revision	Revision	GCSE examination Paper 1 and Paper 2

For GCSE Citizenship Studies, HSAEL follows the Edexcel exam board. See the specification here.

How does the study of Citizenship link to future careers?

The study of citizenship might not directly translate into a specific career path, but the skills and knowledge gained are valuable assets for many professions. Here's how citizenship studies can benefit your future career:

• Developed Skills: Citizenship education fosters a range of transferable skills highly sought after by employers. These include:
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving: Analysing issues, evaluating information, and forming reasoned arguments are crucial for navigating complex situations in many careers.
  • Communication and collaboration: Citizenship studies encourage effective communication (written and verbal) and teamwork, essential for success in most workplaces.
  • Research and information literacy:  Citizenship education emphasizes finding reliable sources and evaluating information, a valuable skill in the information age.
  • Intercultural understanding:  Appreciating diversity and working effectively with people from different backgrounds is increasingly important in a globalized world.
• Active and Responsible Participation:  Citizenship education prepares you to be an active and responsible member of society. This translates well to careers where you might:
  • Advocate for change or represent a group of people (e.g., lawyer, social worker, union leader)
  • Manage projects that involve diverse stakeholders (e.g., engineer, project manager)
  • Work in international relations or diplomacy
• Specific Career Fields: While not a direct path, citizenship studies can be particularly beneficial for careers in:
  • Law and Government: Understanding legal systems, human rights, and democratic processes is crucial for these fields.
  • Education and Social Work:  Citizenship education equips you to understand social issues, work within communities, and advocate for positive change.
  • Media and Communications:  Critical thinking skills and media literacy are essential for careers in journalism, public relations, and communication.
  • Business and International Relations:  Understanding diverse cultures and effective communication are key assets for working in a globalized business environment.

How does Subject link to the extra-curricular provision at HSAEL?

Spring 1 Citizenship Action Project Field work study: Taking Citizenship Action.

Spring 1 Trip to Westminster to see the Houses of Parliament

Autumn 2 Visit by local MP