Citizenship for Years 7, 8 and 9 has been designed to develop pupils’ understanding of democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Through carefully sequenced Google Classroom assignments, it fulfils the aims of the KS3 National Curriculum for Citizenship.
These aims are 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
Pupils use and apply their knowledge and understanding while developing skills to research and interrogate evidence, debate and evaluate different viewpoints, and present reasoned arguments. Through the Citizenship curriculum we also intend to help improve literacy, oracy and extended writing skills, as well as help pupils re-engage with their education and regain confidence in the classroom.
Pupils explore important topics such as identity, community, human rights, migration, government, democracy, the legal system, the media, the UK’s relationship with the wider world, and how people can influence policy makers to create change in society.
Our curriculum is built around clearly sequenced Google Classroom assignments which pupils can access from home as well as at school. These assignments provide the framework for lessons in school, but also contain a wealth of resources including videos and further reading. The Google Classroom also helps track pupil progress against the National Curriculum Learning Goals for KS3.
The course is designed not only to fulfil the aims of the KS3 National Curriculum for Citizenship, but also to help pupils build confidence, communication skills, and a sense of purpose in their communities—even during a short-term placement.
The National Curriculum Learning Goals for KS3 Citizenship are for pupils to learn about:
• KS3.1 the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch
• KS3.2 the operation of Parliament, including voting and elections, and the role of political parties
• KS3.3 the precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom
• KS3.4 the nature of rules and laws and the justice system, including the role of the police and the operation of courts and tribunals
• KS3.5 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
• KS3.6 the functions and uses of money, the importance and practice of budgeting, and managing risk