Citizenship

Citizenship at Deptford Green

Deptford Green is proud to offer students an enriching and meaningful Citizenship curriculum, taught in weekly lessons by specialist staff with high academic expectations. We explore a range of real-world issues, developing our knowledge and understanding of democracy in the UK and the rights and responsibilities involved with being a British citizen. We explore a range of opinions and angles on each topic, linking to current affairs as they happen, developing critical thinking skills and capacities to challenge our understanding and beliefs. We encourage evidence-based judgement and insist on respect for diversity and difference of opinions. Students are regularly assessed on their written argument and debating skills. Students take part in ‘Citizenship action’ projects at the end of Year 7 and as part of the GCSE course.

Ms C. Carson
Head of Citizenship & PSHE
ccarson@deptfordgreen.lewisham.sch.uk

Foundation Stage – Year 7 &8

Students have one lesson per week of Citizenship.

Over the Foundation Stage they cover the following topics:

-         Democracy: Parliament; Monarchy; Press Freedom;

-         Political parties & Votes at 16

-         Tax & Economy

-         Crime & the Law

-         Protest & Civil Disobedience

-         Taking action & volunteering

Students are assessed through written argument and oracy skills. Each term, we have a debate on the topic we have studies and follow this up with a written assessment. 

 Year 8 – Programme of Study

Half Term 1	Half Term 2	Half Term 3	Half Term 4	Half Term 5	Half Term 6
Democracy & Government	Democracy & Government	Voting & Elections	Crime & Punishment	Crime & Punishment	Economy & Tax
Morals	The monarchy	History of voting in UK	Criminal Justice System	Does prison work?	History of Money
Fairness in society	Media & democracy	Why vote?	Causes of crime	Restorative Justice	Capitalism & Communism
Dictatorships	How democratic is UK?	Political Parties	Youth Crime	Death Penalty	Political parties & tax
Democracy in UK	Skills of written argument	Voting Systems	Joint Enterprise	Skills of written argument	The Budget
Young Mayor Elections	Debate skills	Referendum	Media & Crime	Debate skills	High Tax or Low Tax?
Parliament		Votes at 16			NHS
Assessment 1: Monarchy Essay  Assessment 2: Democracy Debate		Assessment 1: Votes at 16 Essay Assessment 2: Crime & punishment debate		Assessment 1: High Tax/Low Tax debate Assessment 2: Summer Exam

What skills will I develop?

You will be able to contribute to debates on the challenges facing society involving a wide range of political, social and ethical issues. You will be able to use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts, opinions and bias in order to build arguments and make informed judgements. This will give you the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to take action with others to address citizenship issues in your communities. In addition you will develop strong writing skills to effectively communicate your ideas. 

What are the BIG QUESTIONS?

• Should terror suspects have their human rights protected?
• Does immigration benefit the UK?
• How democratic is Britain?
• Should we give more money to the NHS?
• How can YOU become an MP?
• Does prison work?
• Does the media influence us in a positive way?
• Should we help people in poorer countries?

How will I be assessed?

100% exam (Edexcel).  Two exam papers. You will take part in a Citizenship activity and will answers questions on this activity in the exam. 

Trips are an important ingredient of our course. Once per term you will visit a museum, Parliament, court, conference, or event in London. 

What do lessons look like?

Lessons are varied and different activities are used to support the development of our thinking and writing:

• Reading news stories
• Conducting debates
• Exploring our opinions through controlled discussion
• Using real life events to make sense of the key themes
• Developing writing skills through regular short pieces of writing 

Where does it lead?

• Politics
• Journalism
• Law
• Education

This qualification shows universities and employers that you are interested in the world around you and that you can think and communicate effectively.  You will have engaged on a practical level with real-life issues, which shows that you are involved in the world outside school. The key skills of critical thinking and building written argument are particularly helpful for A-levels in Government and Politics, Philosophy, Sociology and Economics and excellent skills for anyone hoping to study social sciences or humanities at university. 

Click here to access the Citizenship GCSE specification.