Citizenship

Curriculum Intent

The Humanities Faculty comprises four core subjects: History, Geography, Citizenship and Religious Studies, alongside Vocational Travel and Tourism at Key Stage 4. Together, these subjects aim to cultivate informed, reflective global citizens with a strong understanding of the interconnectedness of past, present, and future events, and the world around them.

Our Humanities curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and engage students with the complexity of the world. By studying the diverse topics within, History, Geography, Religious Education, and Citizenship, pupils gain an appreciation of the different cultures, values, and perspectives that shape our societies. The curriculum encourages students to explore their own identities, understand the challenges of their time, and critically assess the changes that have influenced human behaviour and societal development.

As pupils progress through the curriculum, they will deepen their understanding of the complex interactions between physical and human processes on Earth, exploring how these processes have shaped, and have been shaped by historical events and developments over time. Our curriculum is rich with opportunities to promote Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development, fostering empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity, while encouraging environmental stewardship.

The aims of the Humanities curriculum are to enable students to:

• Think critically: Develop the skills to think, write, communicate, and read as experts in the fields of History, Geography, Citizenship , and Religious Studies.
• Broaden their understanding: Engage with a broad range of geographical, historical, and religious topics that expand students' knowledge of human behaviour, societal influences, and global issues.
• Develop a sense of identity and citizenship: Reflect on their roles as citizens of the UK and the wider world, embracing core British values and nurturing a sense of belonging and responsibility.
• Make informed connections: Grasp the key concepts of each discipline and apply them to draw connections, analyse trends, and pose relevant questions.
• Grow cultural capital: Participate in experiences both within and beyond the classroom that enhance their cultural awareness and understanding of the world.
• Prepare for future success: Equip students with transferable skills, independent study habits, and the resilience necessary for adult life, further education, and employment.

Our curriculum offers a holistic approach, preparing students not only for academic success but also for lifelong learning, active citizenship, and responsible global engagement.

Citizenship:

• Broaden and deepen understanding of citizenship and personal development: Study a range of topics related to political, social, ethical, and health issues, enhancing students' understanding of their role within local, national, and global communities, while focusing on their personal well-being.
• Develop critical thinking and social skills: Engage in discussions, debates, and collaborative projects that encourage students to critically evaluate different viewpoints on democracy, human rights, social justice, and personal responsibility. Students will also build important social and emotional skills to navigate relationships and life challenges.
• Understand rights, responsibilities, and active participation: Gain a sophisticated understanding of the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society and learn how to actively participate in political, social, and community processes, as well as make informed decisions related to health, finance, and well-being.
• Foster well-being and resilience: Explore ways to maintain mental, physical, and emotional well-being, developing resilience and the skills to make positive choices regarding health, relationships, and personal growth.

What your child will learn in KS3 Citizenship

Click on the topics for more information.

 What your child will learn in KS4 Citizenship 

 Citizenship SMSC Statement

In Citizenship, SMSC and British Values are a fundamental part of the subject. The curriculum is designed as a spiral-curriculum, which is age appropriate, with an aim of developing well-rounded global citizens. From Year 7 through to Year 11 the students are challenged to think about their perspectives on many fascinating and important topics. The subject therefore naturally provides a sense of fascination and enjoyment as the pupils explore their thoughts and opinions and respectfully debate with others. As an example, the students are taught about the British democratic political system and have a chance to develop an understanding of what this system means for them as British citizens. In each year the students revisit politics and build on their knowledge throughout their school journey. They are given the opportunity to reflect on their beliefs which will help them to make informed decisions when they reach the voting age.

The students explore their place in the world as global citizens. They learn about the freedoms we enjoy as British citizens and the rule of law. They are given the opportunity to investigate how other countries treat their citizens. The students are taught about collective responsibility which enables them to think about how other people live around the world and their role in the world community. They learn about different cultures and develop a strong sense of tolerance.

Careers education is also taught in citizenship and the pupils are encouraged to think about their future and reflect on their possible pathways. The students are provided with opportunities to investigate different careers and learn about the labour market. This builds a sense of fascination as they explore and develop ideas of their dreams and goals.

Relationship, health and sex education are also taught in citizenship. The new statutory guidance, September 2020, forms an essential part of the curriculum. The students are encouraged throughout each year group to understand how different relationships work and to develop a strong sense of tolerance. The teaching and learning also helps the students to explore moral issues and which will enable them to make informed decisions as they grow into young adults.

The students often work together in groups to discuss and respectfully challenge other opinions. This helps develop their social skills as they work with people from different backgrounds, working outside of their usual friendship groups and developing strategies to communicate in a respectful way.