Citizenship

Citizenship is a subject that is integral to our Academy curriculum and values. It aims to develop pupils’ awareness of local, national and global issues and provides them with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play a full and active part in society.

Our Citizenship curriculum ensures that all pupils:

• acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of how the United Kingdom is governed, its political system and how citizens participate actively in its democratic systems of government
• develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of law and the justice system in our society and how laws are shaped and enforced
• develop an interest in, and commitment to, participation in volunteering as well as other forms of responsible activity, that they will take with them into adulthood
• are equipped with the skills to think critically and debate political questions, to enable them to manage their money on a day-to-day basis, and plan for future financial needs

Given the importance of this, pupils undertake Citizenship throughout their time at HGAED through participation in our coaching and assembly curriculum and it being mapped across the different subjects studied at KS3 and KS4.    

Citizenship aims to ensure that all of our pupils become active participants in their communities and in democracy on a larger scale, and understand the impact that individuals and groups can have in making a better society for us all. It ensures that pupils leave the Academy with an understanding of the world beyond their own experience, with an understanding of fundamental British values, and are ready to participate in democratic processes. Citizenship also features in the Year 9 Religious Studies scheme of learning where pupils explore the right to religious freedom.

Citizenship Studies is offered as a GCSE at KS4 and the pupils are required to understand life in modern Britain, politics and participation in the UK and key concepts around rights and responsibilities in society. All pupils must complete their own ‘Active Citizenship’ project and understand recent political and social campaigns for change. Pupils investigate a wide range of topical issues and consider their impact, locally, nationally and globally. Pupils are expected to immerse themselves in these topics and gain an in-depth understanding of politics, conflict, rights and how to make a difference to society.

The curriculum overview for each year group can be downloaded below.