Citizenship

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Subject Overview
Citizenship is a vital component of The Forest School curriculum, supporting the development of well-rounded, socially conscious young people. The subject bridges academic knowledge with real-world application, giving students the tools to understand and influence the societies they live in.

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including democracy, human rights, law, media literacy, financial capability, and global citizenship. By engaging with contemporary issues and debates, students develop a critical awareness of their place in the world and the impact of their choices.

At both KS3 and KS4 levels, Citizenship nurtures essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and ethical reasoning. It prepares students not only to pass exams but to be proactive, thoughtful contributors to their communities and beyond, reflecting the values of Forest School.

Curriculum Intent
At The Forest School, the Citizenship curriculum is designed to empower students to become informed, responsible, and active members of their communities and society at large. Our curriculum aims to:

• Develop students’ understanding of their rights, responsibilities, and roles within local, national, and global contexts.
• Equip students with the knowledge of political systems, law, democracy, and social justice.
• Foster skills in critical thinking, debate, and decision-making to engage effectively with current affairs and ethical issues.
• Encourage empathy, respect, and awareness of diversity and inclusion.
• Inspire students to take initiative and make positive contributions to their communities.

Throughout KS3 and KS4, students will gain a comprehensive knowledge of how society functions, the impact of government policies, and the importance of active participation. They will develop practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Curriculum implementation
At KS3 (Years 7 and 8), Citizenship is taught in mixed ability tutor groups. In Year 9 and above, students all study Citizenship as part of the Core Curriculum.

At The Forest School, Citizenship lessons are designed to be engaging, inclusive, and thought-provoking, using a variety of teaching methods and resources that cater to diverse learning styles and encourage active participation.

Teaching Methods

• Discussion and Debate: Students regularly engage in respectful discussions and debates on moral and legal issues, helping to develop critical thinking, communication skills, and empathy.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Lessons encourage curiosity and questioning.
• Reflective Activities: Personal reflection tasks are used to help students connect learning to their own experiences and values.
• Collaborative Group Work: Group tasks, such as the investigation encourages teamwork and allows students to appreciate different viewpoints.
• Use of Technology: Interactive digital resources, videos, and case studies enhance understanding and engagement. This includes the use of real life stories.
• Cross-Curricular Links: Citizenship is linked with subjects like History, Law, Politics, PSHE/RSHE, and Geography to provide a holistic learning experience.

Resources Used:

• Multimedia Materials: Documentaries, interviews, media and community websites offer contemporary insights into factors that affect citizens in the UK.

Curriculum Impact
Citizenship at The Forest School plays a crucial role in upholding and promoting the school’s values:

• Aspiring: Encourages students to aim high in becoming active citizens who contribute positively to society.
• Safe: Promotes understanding of rights and responsibilities to create a secure and inclusive community.
• Prepared: Equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and influence a complex, changing world.
• Independent: Fosters independent thought and the confidence to express opinions responsibly.
• Respectful: Builds respect for diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds.
• Excellent: Drives students to excel in their understanding of social, political, and ethical issues, encouraging leadership and civic responsibility.

Through Citizenship education, students are prepared to take an active role in shaping a fair and just society, aligned with The Forest School ethos.

KS3 (Years 7 and 8)
At KS3, topics covered include the following:

Year 7: What is citizenship? Democracy and other political ideologies, Becoming an Active Citizen, Government and Local Elections. 

Year 8: Criminal and Civil Law, the role of the Head of state, race equality, religious freedom, the role of the MP and political parties and their role in the UK.

KS4 (Years 9-10)
At GCSE, students study the AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies course. This is divided into two papers. Paper One is on Active Citizenship and Politics and Participation. Paper Two is on Life in Modern Britain and Rights and Responsibilities. Both exam papers are sat at the end of Year 10. They are both 1 hour 45 minutes long. The assessment structure contains a variety of set question types such as short one or two mark multiple choice questions, medium 4 mark questions assessing provided sources and essay questions worth 8 or 12 marks.

In the Summer Term of Year 9 and Autumn Term of Year 10, students will complete an investigation which will be questioned on in the examination Paper One. This will involve doing research and an activity at the end of the investigation, linked to being an Active Citizen in society. This will focus on any area related to the syllabus, and can involve issues that are local, national or global.

Books are marked and students are then formally assessed on work that they have been studying.

Students are set examination questions regularly for homework, where they will receive feedback from their peers and encouraged to do self-reflection. 

Enrichment Opportunities
The department offers the opportunity to attend a lunchtime club called ‘cake and games club’, where students have the opportunities to socialise with other students whilst playing a variety of different games. These games can range from traditional board games to bingo and Jenga. These enable students to develop their confidence and experience and to develop competitiveness in a healthy environment.

Curious about the curriculum? Looking for something to read? KS3 and KS4

• My Revision Notes: AQA GCSE (9-1) Citizenship Studies Third Edition by Mike Mitchell 
• AQA GCSE (9–1) Citizenship Workbook by Mike Mitchell
• Being a Good Citizen: A Book about Citizenship by Mary Small
• Duck for President by Mary Small

Resources and facilities
Most lessons are taught in a subject specialist room which has access to a variety of resources.

Contact information
If you'd like to find out more please contact Miss S Whitethread, Subject Leader on swhitethread@forest.academy