United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 8 Citizenship
A comprehensive study of the UK political and legal systems designed to foster active citizenship. Students examine the tension between state authority and individual liberty while developing the skills to influence change in their communities.
Democracy and the British State
An exploration of how the UK is governed and the evolution of the parliamentary system. Students analyze the roles of the executive, legislature, and monarchy.
Examining the historical shift from absolute monarchy to parliamentary democracy.
A critical look at the First Past the Post system and alternative methods of representation.
Understanding how party manifestos translate into government policy.
Justice and the Legal System
Investigating the operation of the courts and the principles of the rule of law. Students explore both criminal and civil law contexts.
An overview of how the UK court system functions from Magistrates to the Supreme Court.
Evaluating the effectiveness and fairness of being judged by a panel of peers.
Exploring how the law treats young people differently and the ethics of rehabilitation.
Human Rights and Civil Liberties
Analyzing the protection of individual freedoms through the Human Rights Act and international treaties.
Studying the origins and impact of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Debating the limits of expression in a digital and diverse society.
Understanding protected characteristics and the fight against discrimination.
The UK and the Wider World
Examining the UK's place in international organizations and its responsibilities toward global challenges.
Exploring the structure of the UN and its role in conflict resolution and development.
Analyzing how nations collaborate to address environmental crises.
Assessing the UK's historical and contemporary relationships with Commonwealth nations.
The Economy and Public Finance
Understanding how the government manages money, taxes, and public services like the NHS.
How the government collects revenue and decides where to spend it.
Evaluating the support systems provided for the vulnerable and unemployed.
Understanding the legal protections for citizens in the marketplace.
Active Citizenship and Social Change
Empowering students to identify issues and use democratic tools to influence decision makers.
How organized groups influence government policy through direct and indirect action.
Analyzing the importance of media in a democracy and the challenges of fake news.
Focusing on local councils and how citizens can impact their immediate surroundings.