Citizenship

The principal aim of Citizenship education at The Beacon of Light School is to engage pupils in the local and global world; to consider their role as global citizens and to think critically but proactively about a politicised environment. The course encourages students to play an active part in public and democratic life as informed and active citizens. 

The Citizenship Studies at GCSE allows for the group or individual to develop the ability to analyse and comment on four themes: Living together in the UK, Democracy at work in the UK, Law and Justice and Power and influence - The UK’s relationship with the rest of the world. 

The course focuses on the importance of active citizenship so students can engage with topics close to their hearts while they develop skills in research and investigation, problem solving, advocacy and campaigning. 

Citizenship Studies at GCSE reflects current issues, questions, and debates; and therefore, students develop knowledge and understanding of the role of citizenship in relation to the political and democratic issues and discourse that impacts on modern society. 

The aims and objectives of Citizenship Studies are to enable students to: 

• Know and understand what democracy is, how parliamentary democracy operates within the constituent parts of the UK, how government works and how democratic and nondemocratic systems of government are different beyond the UK.
• Know and understand the relationship between the state and citizens, the rights, responsibilities, and duties of citizens living and working in the UK and how people participate in democracy.
• Know and understand the role of the law in society, how laws are shaped and enforced and how the justice system works in England and Wales.
• Know and understand how taxes are raised and spent by governments, and how national economic and financial policies and decisions relate to individuals.
• Use and apply knowledge and understanding of key citizenship ideas and concepts, including democracy, government, justice, equality, rights, responsibilities, participation, community, identity, and diversity, to think deeply and critically about a wide range of political, social, economic, and ethical issues and questions facing society in local to global contexts.
• Use and apply knowledge and understanding as students formulate citizenship enquiries, explore and research citizenship issues and actions, analyse and evaluate information and interpret sources of evidence.