In the name of Allah, the most Merciful, the most Kind.
“There is no one worthy of worship but He: That is the witness of Allah, His angels and those endowed with knowledge, Standing firm in Justice (or maintaining His Creation in Justice). There is no God but He, the Exalted in power, the Wise.”
(Qur’an, Al-‘Imran 3:18)
Purpose of Studying Citizenship
In Abu Bakr Girls School, Citizenship Studies is recognised as a necessary part of a young person’s full education entitlement. The curriculum content, at both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, follow the national curriculum guidance, as provided by the Department for Education.
The overall purpose of Citizenship Studies is for pupils to understand their place in Britain and the world, and how they can make a positive change to society as responsible citizens. Pupils’ knowledge and awareness of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld will be developed. Pupils will also develop skills and confidence to explore political and social issues to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments.
Within our lessons, we aim to teach Citizenship and British Values in conjunction with the Islamic perspective. Our overreaching conclusions are clear: Citizenship/British Values and Islamic Values are broadly compatible. All pupils are encouraged to be a good Muslim which subsequently also means to be a good and active citizen.
Lesson Organisation
Pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 have one lesson of Citizenship per week.
Pupils in Years 10 and 11 have two lessons of Citizenship per week.
Years 7 and 8
The aim of the KS3 curriculum is to enable pupils to develop their critical thinking skills to understand democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. This will allow pupils to cultivate their skills to research and interrogate evidence, debate and evaluate viewpoints, present reasoned arguments and take informed action.
The overall programme of study for Year 7 and 8 pupils include:
Years 9 – 11
The GCSE Citizenship Studies builds on the KS3 programme of study to deepen their understanding of democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. They will also further develop their understanding on how people take an active part in democratic politics and work together for a better society: locally, nationally and globally. Pupils will develop skills to research effectively, evaluate evidence, make persuasive arguments and substantiate conclusions.
Pupils in Year 9 begin their study of the new specification of Edexcel GCSE Citizenship (2016). The GCSE is assessed through two examinations (100%), 1 hour 45 minutes each. They will complete their exams in Year 11.
Year 9 will concentrate on the following topics:
Year 10 and 11 pupils will continue with the following topics:
2016/17 Year 11 pupils will continue studying for their full course Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies (2008). This will be the final year where pupils will complete two controlled assessments (60%) and two examinations (40%). Controlled assessments will focus on: ‘Participating in Society’ and ‘Citizenship Campaign’. Pupils will focus on the following topics for their examinations:
Extra-Curricular
Years 7 – 11 welcome visitors to support their programme of study. Visitors include: Police Officers, Local Councillors, Local MP, Friends of the Earth representative etc. Additionally, Year 11 pupils visit the Houses of Parliament and the Parliament Education Centre to gain an insight to the working of the government and how citizens can have an impact on Parliament.
Progress and Feedback
Pupils receive regular verbal and written feedback. The additional use of end-of-term/topic mark sheets allow pupils to become aware of their areas of strengths and developments to focus on. Pupils are also assessed at the end of every half-term.
