Citizenship
and PSHE

A high-quality citizenship education helps to provide pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding, to prepare them to play a full and active part in society

Mrs McGarr
Head of Faculty

Staff

Mrs A McGarr
Mrs K Soulsby
Mrs C Callaghan
Mr J Brehony

Mrs C Finnegan
Mr D O’Sullivan
Mrs K Savage

Ethos

A high-quality citizenship education helps to provide pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them to play a full and active part in society. In particular, citizenship education should foster pupils’ keen awareness and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld. Teaching should equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. It should also prepare pupils to take their place in society as responsible citizens, manage their money well and make sound financial decisions.

AIms

The national curriculum for citizenship aims to ensure 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

KS3 Curriculum

Year 7, 8 and 9

In Years 7, 8 and 9 all students follow the KS3 National Curriculum.

They receive 1 lesson a fortnight.

Teaching develops pupils’ understanding of democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Pupils use and apply their knowledge and understanding while developing skills to research and interrogate evidence, debate and evaluate viewpoints, present reasoned arguments and take informed action.

Subject Content

Pupils are taught about:

  • the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch
  • the operation of Parliament, including voting and elections, and the role of political parties
  • the precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom
  • the nature of rules and laws and the justice system, including the role of the police and the operation of courts and tribunals
  • the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities, including opportunities to participate in school-based activities
  • the functions and uses of money, the importance and practice of budgeting, and managing risk
  • The role of families within Britain.
  • Respectful relationships including friendships. 
  • Online behaviours and the media.
  • Being safe and consent

KS4 Curriculum

Year 10 and 11

Teaching builds on the key stage 3 programme of study to deepen pupils’ understanding of democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Pupils develop their skills to be able to use a range of research strategies, weigh up evidence, make persuasive arguments and substantiate their conclusions. They experience and evaluate different ways that citizens can act together to solve problems and contribute to society.

Subject Content

Pupils are taught about:

  • the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch
  • the operation of Parliament, including voting and elections, and the role of political parties
  • the precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom
  • the nature of rules and laws and the justice system, including the role of the police and the operation of courts and tribunals
  • the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities, including opportunities to participate in school-based activities
  • the functions and uses of money, the importance and practice of budgeting, and managing risk
  • Intimate Relationships

Courses Offered at KS4

Find out about the courses we offer at KS4 including examination and enrichment courses. 

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Subjects

“Subject leaders have crafted a curriculum which enables pupils to build on their prior knowledge.” OFSTED 2022

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CURRICULUM MAPS

Take a deeper look at what our curriuculum covers over KS3 and KS4

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