Citizenship
Citizenship at Meden School
A high-quality citizenship education helps to provide pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them to play a full and active part in society.
In particular, citizenship education at Meden School fosters pupil awareness and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld. Teaching forms part of our Personal Development curriculum and our curriculum for life and this equips our pupils with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. It also prepares Meden pupils to take their place in society as responsible citizens, manage their money well and make sound financial decisions.
Our citizenship curriculum aims to ensure that our pupils
- acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of how the United Kingdom is governed, its political system and how citizens participate actively in its democratic systems of government
- develop a sound knowledge and understanding of the role of law and the justice system in our society and how laws are shaped and enforced
- develop an interest in, and commitment to, participation in volunteering as well as other forms of responsible activity, that they will take with them into adulthood
- are equipped with the skills to think critically and debate political questions, to enable them to manage their money on a day-to-day basis, and plan for future financial needs.
Key stage 3
In key stage 3 we develop pupils’ understanding of democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Pupils are taught about:
- the democratic government in the United Kingdom
- the operation of Parliament
- the precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom
- the nature of rules and laws and the justice system
- the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society.
- the functions and uses of money.
Key stage 4
In key stage 4, teaching builds on the key stage 3 programme of study to deepen pupils’ understanding of democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Pupils develop their skills to be able to use a range of research strategies, weigh up evidence, make persuasive arguments and substantiate their conclusions.
They should experience and evaluate different ways that citizens can act together to solve problems and contribute to society.
Pupils are taught about:
- parliamentary democracy and the key elements of the constitution of the United Kingdom.
- the different electoral systems used in and beyond the United Kingdom.
- other systems and forms of government.
- local, regional and international governance and the United Kingdom’s relations with the rest of Europe, the Commonwealth, the United Nations and the wider world
- human rights and international law
- the legal system in the UK.
- diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
- the different ways in which a citizen can contribute to the improvement of their community.
- income and expenditure, credit and debt, insurance, savings and pensions, financial products and services, and how public money is raised and spent