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United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets

Year 11 Citizenship

This course prepares students for adult life by analyzing the UK's constitutional framework and the role of the citizen in a globalized world. Students evaluate the effectiveness of democratic institutions and the justice system while developing the skills to lead social change through informed advocacy.

3 units·63 topics·Ages 15-16

01The UK Constitution and the Balance of Power

20 topics·Autumn Term

An investigation into the uncodified nature of the British constitution and how power is distributed across the executive, legislature, and judiciary.

Introduction to the UK Constitution

Explore the unique uncodified nature of the British constitution, identifying its key sources and principles.

Concept MappingSocratic Seminar
Historical Development of the Constitution

Trace the historical evolution of key constitutional documents and conventions, from Magna Carta to modern acts.

Timeline ChallengeDocument Mystery
Parliamentary Sovereignty: Core Principle

Examine the concept of parliamentary sovereignty, its historical development, and its contemporary challenges.

Case Study AnalysisFormal Debate
The Executive: Prime Minister and Cabinet

Investigate the roles and powers of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and their relationship with Parliament.

Role PlayExpert Panel
The Legislature: House of Commons

Explore the functions of the House of Commons, including its legislative and scrutiny roles, and the role of MPs.

Simulation GameJigsaw
The Legislature: House of Lords

Examine the composition, powers, and reform debates surrounding the House of Lords.

Formal DebatePhilosophical Chairs
The Judiciary: Role and Independence

Understand the structure and function of the UK judiciary, emphasizing the principle of judicial independence.

Case Study AnalysisSocratic Seminar
Separation of Powers in the UK

Examine how the principle of separation of powers operates in the UK's uncodified constitution, and its limitations.

Philosophical ChairsFormal Debate
Devolution: Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland

Analyze how power is shared between Westminster and the devolved nations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Case Study AnalysisJigsaw
The Monarchy: Constitutional Role

Evaluate the contemporary relevance and constitutional functions of the Sovereign in a parliamentary democracy.

Socratic SeminarFishbowl Discussion
Local Government Structure and Funding

Explore the structure and funding mechanisms of local government in the UK.

Concept MappingCase Study Analysis
Local Government and Citizen Participation

Explore the structure and functions of local government in the UK and avenues for citizen engagement at the local level.

Town Hall MeetingCase Study Analysis
The Rule of Law and its Principles

Understand the fundamental principles of the rule of law and its importance in protecting individual liberties.

Document MysterySocratic Seminar
Sources of Law: Statute, Common, EU

Differentiate between the various sources of law in the UK, including statute law, common law, and the historical influence of EU law.

Concept MappingThink-Pair-Share
The Role of the Police and Law Enforcement

Examine the powers and responsibilities of the police, and the balance between law enforcement and civil liberties.

Case Study AnalysisFormal Debate
Youth Justice System

Investigate the specific principles and processes of the youth justice system in England and Wales.

Case Study AnalysisExpert Panel
Alternative Dispute Resolution

Explore methods of resolving disputes outside of formal court proceedings, such as mediation and arbitration.

Role PlayCase Study Analysis
Legal Aid and Access to Justice

Examine the provision of legal aid in the UK and the challenges faced by citizens in accessing legal representation.

Human BarometerDecision Matrix
The European Convention on Human Rights

Understand the origins and principles of the ECHR and its influence on UK law through the Human Rights Act.

Socratic SeminarCase Study Analysis
Balancing Rights: Security vs. Privacy

Assess the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the tension between national security and individual privacy.

Philosophical ChairsStructured Academic Controversy

02Justice, Law, and the Citizen

20 topics·Spring Term

Exploring the English legal system, the role of the judiciary, and the principles of natural justice and the rule of law.

Freedom of Expression and its Limits

Examine the right to freedom of expression and the legal and ethical limitations placed upon it in the UK.

Formal DebateCase Study Analysis
Equality Act 2010 and Discrimination

Understand the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 and its role in combating discrimination based on protected characteristics.

Case Study AnalysisGallery Walk
The Role of Charities and NGOs

Investigate the contribution of charities and non-governmental organizations to addressing social issues and advocating for rights.

Expert PanelProject-Based Learning
Purposes of Sentencing

A study of the purposes of sentencing in the UK, including retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, and public protection.

Decision MatrixPhilosophical Chairs
The UK Prison System

Examine the effectiveness of the UK prison system in reducing recidivism and its role in rehabilitation.

Case Study AnalysisExpert Panel
Alternatives to Custodial Sentences

Investigate non-custodial sentences and community orders as alternatives to imprisonment.

Role PlayDecision Matrix
The Criminal Courts Hierarchy

Understand the hierarchy of criminal courts in England and Wales, from Magistrates' Courts to the Supreme Court.

Concept MappingJigsaw
The Civil Courts Hierarchy

Explore the hierarchy of civil courts, including County Courts, the High Court, and the Court of Appeal.

Experiential LearningRole Play
Juries and Lay Magistrates

Investigate the role of juries in criminal trials and the function of lay magistrates in the justice system.

Mock TrialFormal Debate
The Role of Lawyers: Barristers and Solicitors

Understand the distinct roles of barristers and solicitors in the UK legal profession and their contribution to justice.

Role PlayExpert Panel
Introduction to Electoral Systems

Compare First Past the Post with proportional representation systems and their impact on government stability.

Simulation GameCase Study Analysis
Impact of FPTP on UK Politics

Examine the specific effects of the First Past the Post system on UK elections, party politics, and voter turnout.

Formal DebateDecision Matrix
Electoral Reform Debates

Investigate historical and contemporary debates surrounding electoral reform in the UK, including referendums on voting systems.

Philosophical ChairsCase Study Analysis
Political Parties: Ideologies and Policies

Investigating the ideologies of major UK parties and how they translate their values into policy proposals.

World CaféProject-Based Learning
Party Funding and Regulation

Examine how political parties are funded in the UK and the regulations in place to ensure transparency and fairness.

Case Study AnalysisFormal Debate
The Role of Pressure Groups

Understand the influence of pressure groups on government policy and their methods of advocacy.

Role PlayExpert Panel
Citizen Engagement Beyond Voting

Explore various ways citizens engage with the political process beyond the ballot box, including petitions, protests, and volunteering.

Carousel BrainstormGraffiti Wall
Digital Democracy and Social Media

Analyzing the influence of digital platforms on political discourse and the spread of misinformation.

Town Hall MeetingFishbowl Discussion
Regulating Online Political Content

Examine the debates and challenges surrounding the regulation of political advertising and content on digital platforms.

Formal DebateDecision Matrix
The UK and the United Nations

Understanding the UK's influence within the United Nations and its commitments to international peace and security.

Simulation GameExpert Panel

03Democracy in Action: Elections and Voting

23 topics·Summer Term

Critically examining the UK electoral system and the ways citizens engage with the political process beyond the ballot box.

NATO and Collective Security

Explore the UK's commitments to collective security through its membership in NATO and its role in international defense.

Case Study AnalysisFormal Debate
International Law and Sovereignty

Examine the principles of international law and the tension between national sovereignty and international obligations.

Socratic SeminarDocument Mystery
Global Challenges: Climate Change

Investigate the UK's role and responsibilities in addressing global challenges, focusing on climate change and environmental sustainability.

Problem-Based LearningWorld Café
Ethics of Global Trade

Exploring the ethics of trade agreements, fair trade principles, and their impact on developing nations.

Case Study AnalysisDecision Matrix
UK Foreign Aid Policy

Examine the UK's foreign aid budget, its objectives, and its impact on poverty reduction and development.

Expert PanelFormal Debate
Brexit: Causes and Referendum

Analyze the historical context and key arguments leading up to the 2016 Brexit referendum.

Case Study AnalysisFour Corners
Post-Brexit UK-EU Relationship

Analyzing the changing relationship between the UK and the European Union following the 2016 referendum.

Case Study AnalysisSimulation Game
Impact of Brexit on Citizens' Rights

Examine the implications of Brexit for the rights of UK citizens living in the EU and EU citizens living in the UK.

Case Study AnalysisHuman Barometer
Government Revenue: Taxation

Investigating how the government collects revenue through various forms of taxation.

Simulation GameConcept Mapping
Public Spending and Priorities

Understand how the government allocates funds to public services and the factors influencing spending decisions.

Decision MatrixWorld Café
National Debt and Fiscal Policy

Examine the concept of national debt, government borrowing, and the role of fiscal policy in managing the economy.

Case Study AnalysisExpert Panel
History of the Welfare State

Examining the history and evolution of the UK's social security system, from its origins to the present day.

Timeline ChallengeGallery Walk
Poverty and Inequality in the UK

Investigate the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in the UK, and different measures of deprivation.

Human BarometerCase Study Analysis
Welfare Reforms and Debates

Examine recent reforms to the welfare system and the ongoing debates surrounding benefits, work incentives, and social responsibility.

Philosophical ChairsFormal Debate
Consumer Rights and Protections

Analyzing the protections available to consumers in the UK, including legislation and regulatory bodies.

Problem-Based LearningCase Study Analysis
Global Corporations and Ethics

Analyzing the power and ethical responsibilities of multinational corporations operating in the UK and globally.

Role PlayFormal Debate
Corporate Social Responsibility

Explore the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its role in promoting ethical business practices.

Case Study AnalysisExpert Panel
Methods of Campaigning and Advocacy

Evaluating the effectiveness of different methods of social change, from lobbying to direct action.

Project-Based LearningExpert Panel
The Role of the Free Press

Investigating the importance of investigative journalism and media bias in a democratic society.

Gallery WalkSocratic Seminar
Media Regulation and Ethics

Examine the regulatory frameworks for the press and broadcast media in the UK, and ethical dilemmas in journalism.

Formal DebateCase Study Analysis
Planning a Citizenship Action Project

Planning and justifying a specific action to improve a community issue or raise awareness for a cause.

Project-Based LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving
Implementing and Reflecting on Action

Students implement their citizenship action projects and reflect on their effectiveness and learning outcomes.

Project-Based LearningLearning Contracts
Presenting Citizenship Action Outcomes

Students present the outcomes of their citizenship action projects to peers and stakeholders.

Museum ExhibitPress Conference