PSHE and Citizenship

The intention of Citizenship Studies at Garth Hill College is for our pupils to 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. We also strive to 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. Citizenship Studies aims to inspire and raise aspirations in relation to the whole child.

Citizenship Studies aims to 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, that allows them to enhance 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.

Citizenship Studies meets the national curriculum requirements. It supports the government’s requirements for schools to implement the anti-extremist Prevent Duty, which is a legal requirement. The Government recommends Citizenship as a means of achieving this.

It is an ideal tool for exploring British Values, which is also required by the Government. Citizenship education is important in building character and developing important transferable skills, such as communication, initiative, interaction with people and team working. Citizenship also supports the school’s Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural outcomes. Citizenship is the only subject in the national curriculum that teaches about the way democracy, politics, the economy and the law work.

PSHE education is a school subject through which pupils develop the knowledge, skills and attributes they need to keep themselves healthy and safe, and prepare for life and work in modern Britain. Evidence shows that well-delivered PSHE programmes have an impact on both academic and non-academic outcomes for pupils, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

The National Curriculum states that ‘all schools should make provision for personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE), drawing on good practice'.

PSHE education contributes to schools' statutory duties outlined in the Education Act 2002 and the Academies Act 2010 to provide a balanced and broadly-based curriculum and is essential to Ofsted judgements in relation to personal development, behaviour, welfare and safeguarding.

The relationships and health aspects of PSHE education is compulsory in all schools as of 2020.

All themes within the Citizenship and PSHE curriculum are planned in a spiral manner, with topics repeating across years and key stages building greater depth over time.

PSHE at Key Stage 4 is a non-assessed subject, however progress will be routinely reviewed once a half term through ipsative "I can..." statements, in line with PSHE Association guidance.

PSHE - Autumn Term 2024-25

If you have any queries or concerns, please email g-dawson@garthhillcollege.com 

Key stage 3 (Years 7-9)

Within their curriculum time, they consider National Curriculum topics on our society, laws and government, as well as Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE) and Relationships and Sex Education.

Topics and timing of topics

Assessment

Pupils are regularly assessed, with a milestone assessment each half term. These assessments are marked and awarded aspect bands, with feedback provided for the pupils to reflect upon and use to improve their aspect bands at the next assessment.

At the end of the year, pupils will complete an end of year assessment, which will test how they have developed their knowledge and skills over the course of the academic year.

PSHE topics are additionally assessed through ipsative assessment. This means that pupils will self-reflect through “I can…” statements. This is in line with PSHE Association guidance. All assessments will additionally support the development of exam skills required to succeed in GCSE Citizenship Studies.

Home Learning

Home learning is set where appropriate for PSHE. It is expected to take approximately thirty minutes to complete.

All tasks will be set on Microsoft Teams, which both pupils and parents can access at home. Home learning tasks will be a range of activities, such as creative pieces, research tasks, reading tasks, online quizzes or essay questions.

How parents and carers can support

• Encourage your child to ask teachers for help if there are any difficulties;
• Encourage your child to be observant and take an interest in the world around them. This could include reading local and national newspapers and watching news programmes that frequently include geographical issues;
• Discuss issues and topics covered in lessons with your child;
• Check that home learning is being done;
• Help your child understand key words;
• Help prepare revision resources and tests to check understanding;
• Encourage the use of any additional resources for information, for example the library, resources on Teams, wider research.

Reading List

• Newspapers / news websites

Assessment Framework

Assessment Framework

Assessment Schedules

Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11)

Exam Board and Syllabus Code

AQA Citizenship Studies 8100

Content

The GCSE Citizenship Course provides the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable pupils to participate as responsible, active citizens in their local community and wider society. It promotes personal, intellectual and social development enabling students to become more self-confident and responsible both in and beyond the classroom. The subject is divided into four themes:

1. Life in Modern Britain
2. Rights and responsibilities
3. Politics and participation
4. Active citizenship

Exams: 100%

Pupils will have substantively completed themes for Life in Modern Britain during Year 9, however will be supported in returning and extending knowledge for the unit throughout Years 10 and 11. In Year 10, pupils will focus on Rights and Responsibilities and on Politics and Participation. In Year 11, pupils will complete Politics and Participation before undertaking their Active Citizenship investigation, exploring and raising awareness on a specific issue in society that they believe to be important. In addition to this, throughout Years 10 and 11, pupils continue to study a programme of Personal, Social and Health Education including Careers Education, Sex and Relationships and Drugs Education.

Assessment

Pupils will be assessed in four main areas, all of which will be entered/sat at the end of the course in Year 11.

Pupils will be regularly assessed. These assessments will generally take the form of practice questions and pieces of extended writing which assess the levels of skills and knowledge acquired against the specification of the course.

Home Learning

Pupils will have substantively completed themes for Life in Modern Britain during Year 9, however will be supported in returning and extending knowledge for the unit throughout Years 10 and 11. Blue pathway students will engage in a programme of study allowing them to complete the GCSE by the end of Year 10. White pathway students will have the option of undertaking GCSE Citizenship as an option. Those who choose to do so will focus on Rights and Responsibilities and on Politics and Participation in Year 10. In Year 11, pupils will complete Politics and Participation before undertaking their Active Citizenship investigation, exploring and raising awareness on a specific issue in society that they believe to be important.

In addition to this, throughout Years 10 and 11, pupils continue to study a programme of Personal, Social and Health Education including Careers Education, Sex and Relationships and Drugs Education.

How parents and carers can support

• Encourage your child to ask teachers for help if there are any difficulties;
• Encourage your child to be observant and take an interest in the world around them. This could include reading local and national newspapers and watching news programmes that frequently include geographical issues;
• Discuss issues and topics covered in lessons with your child;
• Check that home learning is being done;
• Help your child understand key words;
• Help prepare revision resources and tests to check understanding;
• Encourage the use of any additional resources for information, for example the library, resources on Teams, wider research.

Assessment Schedules

Citizenship Assessment Overview - Year 11

Learning Journey

GCSE Learning Journey

Knowledge Organisers

Theme 1 - Life in Modern Britain

Theme 2 - Rights and Responsibilities

Theme 3 - Politics and Participation