CITIZENSHIP STUDIES GCSE

Citizenship is a core subject which started in Year 9 and is completed by the end of year 10. Through studying a range of contemporary and engaging topics you will gain a deeper knowledge of democracy, government and law, and develop skills to create sustained and reasoned arguments, present various viewpoints and plan practical citizenship actions to benefit society. You will also gain the ability to recognise bias, critically evaluate arguments, weigh evidence and look for alternative interpretations and sources of evidence. All of these are essential skills valued by higher education and employers. In this course you will be encouraged to discuss, analyse and evaluate complex social issues. GCSE Citizenship Studies has the power to motivate and enable you to become a thoughtful, active citizen.

What willyou study?

We cover topics that fit into the following areas:

1. Life in Modern Britain

2. Rights and Responsibilities

3. Politics and Participation

4. Active Citizenship

Issues include:

 Human rights – what are they and how are they protected?

 How the legal system works

 The criminal justice system

 The Role of the UK within international organisations

 Identity and multicultural Britain

 Politics and political systems at a local, national level

 The role of the media

 How citizens can make their voices heard to make a change

How will you beassessed?

 100% Examination (2 Exam papers, 1 hour 45 minutes each)

 Paper 1: Section A – Active Citizenship, Section B – Politics and Participation

 Paper 2: Section A – Life in Modern Britain, Section B – Rights and Responsibilities

 Each exam paper includes the following types of questions

Multiple choice

Short answer

Source based questions

Extended answer: essay presenting arguments for and/or against a statement / question

For more information see your current citizenship teacher or Miss Bevan abevan@cherwellschool.org