All downloads are in PDF format and will open in a new window:
Citizenship Studies contributes to the school curriculum by giving students the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to participate in society as active citizens of our democracy. It promotes their personal and social development, enabling them to become more self-confident and responsible both in and beyond the classroom. A specification which focuses on Citizenship Studies has an important role to play in the intellectual and social development of individuals. The focus of Citizenship Studies is at the heart of contemporary debates about the kind of society we are striving to build and the role of the state in the process. This specification makes a distinctive contribution to the curriculum by focusing on active Citizenship. The rationale for this specification derives from the Crick Report.s belief .that citizenship education is education for citizenship, behaving and acting as a citizen, therefore it is not just knowledge of citizenship and civil society; it also implies developing values, skills and understanding. (paragraph 3.1). A course of study based on this GCSE Citizenship Studies (Short Course) Specification develops knowledge, understanding, skills and values, which, while drawing on a range of disciplines, goes beyond the remit of any one of these disciplines. In particular, these are developed through the three Topics in the specification:
- Topic 1: School, Work and the Local Community;
- Topic 2: National and European Citizenship;
- Topic 3: Global Citizenship.
Departmental Aims and Objectives
The Department subscribes to the school aims, and believes in learning to live.
We aim for the students to develop:
- Knowledge and skills in the academic area they are studying
- Communication skills in a variety of situations
- Information technology skills
- Ability to apply numeracy to their work
- Teamwork skills
- Ability to seek and handle appropriate information
- Ability to produce quality work with a high standard of presentation
- Organisational skills
- Time management skills
- Knowledge of employment opportunities within their vocational area, and other employment in a fast changing world
- Increase their self awareness and identify their personal development needs
- Gain an awareness of further and higher education, self employment and enterprise
- Develop industrial, commercial and economic understanding, and provide the opportunities to experience the ‘world of work’
- Develop skills in career planning and provide opportunities for personal development
- Empower pupils to influence and take responsibility for their community and environment and create responsible citizens
- To provide opportunities to explore social and political views
We also aim for the students to:
- Enjoy learning and want to continue learning throughout their lives
- Have high self-esteem and high expectations of themselves
- Achieve to their highest standard
- Have lively inquiring minds, and the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks and skills
- Have a clear understanding of their own beliefs and respect those of others
- Want to contribute to society to make their world a better place
- Be capable of making informed decisions, and take responsibility for their actions
- Have the skills and motivation to seek good quality jobs that will promote a prosperous future.
Objectives
The Department believes our students will succeed through experiencing quality education. The core purpose of the departments’ teaching is to provide a learning environment that meets the needs and requirements of all our pupils and the society in which we live through providing:
- A stimulating environment that is conducive to learning, and that will encourage students to become capable of making informed decisions, and taking responsibility for their actions
- A curriculum that is appropriate, relevant and responsive to our students needs
- An ethos of support, challenge and encouragement, providing opportunities for all students to succeed
- Opportunities for participation in activities and visits for the enrichment of the whole person
- An active and supportive partnership with the local community
All pupils will be given the opportunity to:
- Be actively involved in your own learning
- Take responsibility for your own learning, decision making and seeking and handling information
- Undertake a variety of learning experiences i.e. work-related problem solving, work based assignments and practical activities
- Work with others to practice social and interactive skills including co-operation and teamwork
- Work to deadlines in order to encourage the efficient use of time
- Experience and balance conflicting pressures
- Review and evaluate your work
- Sit external tests I order to test your underpinning knowledge
- Use key skills
Organisational Structure
Head of Dept. - C.Thomas, Business Tutor B A (Hons) 1st class Business Admin. PGCE