Citizenship at Simon Balle School
Citizenship is a relatively new subject so it is not surprising that many parents remain unsure about what their children will study. This short guide provides a basic overview of the subject here at Simon Balle School.
Citizenship is a national curriculum subject just like any other school subject. It is compulsory for all students.
Years 7, 8 & 9 have lessons once every fortnight. Years 10 and 11 students follow a Life Skills course which incorporates Citizenship Studies.
What do pupils study?
It is important that all young people understand what is means to be a member of a country, or to put it another way, to be…a citizen of the United Kingdom.
To appreciate what this means students learn about –
Their legal rights and duties as members of a country
The nature of democracy and the rule of law
How general elections work, how governments are formed and the role of MPs
Students are also encouraged to discuss topical issues that affect their community, their country and the world. Some of the topics include human rights, crime and justice, the power of the press and the environment. Therefore, students are assessed not just on their written work but also on their ability to present information and to formally debate controversial issues.
Active Citizenship
It is important that students have an opportunity to put into practice some of the ideas they have studied. This includes developing an ACTIVE PROJECT that in some way ‘changes the world around them’. This may be something small, for example within the school, or something larger involving other people and organisations outside of school
Overall, Citizenship helps students understand that they have a voice, and that their ideas can have a real impact on their community, their country and their world.
