Citizenship
With terms like ‘global village’, ‘multiculturalism’ and ‘globalisation’ being heard more and more often, the subject of Citizenship has taken greater importance within the curriculum. So what, exactly, does it entail?
In short, Citizenship empowers students to develop understanding about the ever-changing society they live in, and gives them the skills to play their part in this society – the UK – through the study of its political, cultural and legal systems.
At Braunton Academy, we arm our students to become better citizens – both in a theoretical and practical sense. Pupils don’t just acquire knowledge of how society works, but gain experience in community volunteering activities, managing personal and group budgets, and cultural events such as We Day – which is attended by youngsters from all over the world.
Above all, Citizenship’s aim is to give students a sense of ‘who they are’, and their place in a growing country within a wider, increasingly-connected world.
Key Stage 3
Students are taught:
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How the political system of the UK has developed as a democracy, including the role of the monarchy, the development of our constitution and Parliament, and how democracy is different from other forms of government
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The operation of Parliament, including voting and elections, and the role of political parties
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The precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the UK, and why these privileges are the envy of the world
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The nature and development of rules and laws, and the difference between criminal and civil law
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The justice system, including the role of the police, and how courts and tribunals work
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The functions and uses of money, the importance of personal budgeting, money management, and a range of financial products and services.
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How to organise an Active Citizenship project, based on either volunteering or fundraising
Key Stage 4
Students are taught:
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parliamentary democracy, including the role of Parliament in holding governments to account, and the different roles of the executive, legislature and judiciary
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the different electoral systems used in and beyond the UK, and actions citizens can take in democratic and electoral processes to influence decisions locally, nationally and beyond
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other systems and forms of government, both democratic and non-democratic, beyond the UK
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local, regional and international governance and the UK’s relations with the rest of Europe, the Commonwealth and the wider world
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diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the UK, and the need for mutual respect and understanding
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the different ways in which a citizen can contribute to the improvement of their community, to include the opportunity to participate actively in community volunteering
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wages, taxes, credit, debt, financial risk and a range of more sophisticated financial products and services
Extra-Curricular Opportunities