Curriculum Intent 

We aim to provide students with the understanding needed to be successful members of the global community. To be successful in adulthood, students will have to become confident in being self-governing and independent. The nature of the topics taught will expose students to life skills needed to be safe, proactive and inquisitive about the wider world around them. 

KS3 Curriculum 

Year 7 Curriculum 

Students explore a range of topics that help them further understand Citizenship at a local, national and global level. These include exploring the British political system, how voting works in the UK, local and regional governments, democracy and how citizens can impact upon this. Students are also taught how laws are made, examining some key laws which impact upon our lives, the difference between civil and criminal law and examining how citizens can try to impact upon these laws. Students also examine youth crime and young offenders’ institutions, as well as focusing on rights and the police. Students also compare and contrast a youth court and adult court as well as focusing on the press, freedom to protest and rights to education. Students learn what it means to be a citizen of Britain such as examining the British culture and British Values, the diversity of British society and how this has and is changing over time.  

Year 8 Curriculum 

Students study a range of topics relating to parliamentary democracy and the role of the monarchy in the UK. Students 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. Students look at the different political parties in the United Kingdom as well as looking at the role of an MP. Students look at a range of key questions such as debating whether 16 year olds should be given the vote and how the government works. Students also look at institutions such as the House of Commons, House of Lords and Parliament and understand how laws are made as well as the functions of pressure groups and lobbying.  

Year 9 Curriculum 

In Year 9 Citizenship is embedded within the PSHE curriculum. Students study Citizenship to better understand their own lives, and the choices that they are making. They will be encouraged to consider their aspirations, setting individual goals and planning for the future. This connects to students selecting their KS4 options and will allow students to consider opportunities and prospects. Students will also focus on what does the law say abut work and protected characteristics. Students will be able to consider their personal brand and how to save and budget, as well as look at what influences our spending and thinking about enterprise.  

KS4 Curriculum 

KS4 Citizenship lessons are embedded within the PSHE curriculum and continue to study Citizenship to further understand the world around them. Pupils develop their skills using a range of research strategies, weighing up evidence and learning to make persuasive arguments and substantiate their conclusions. They experience and evaluate different ways that citizens can act together to solve problems and contribute to society. 

Year 10 Curriculum 

• In Year 10, students consider the Equality Act, focusing on hate crimes and values within the community as they focus on the riots of 2011 and 2024, linking it to social media bias. Students consider whether we have reached racial equality in the UK. Students also look at discrimination through invisibility, challenging discrimination and extremism. They consider diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding.  

Year 11 Curriculum 

• In Year 11, students consider their next steps after school, thinking about marketing themselves and their personal branding. This links to students completing their college applications as well as completing their personal statements. Students consider the different types of employment and employment trends, rights and responsibilities at work, as well as looking at income and expenditure, credit and debt, insurance, savings and pensions and how public money is raised and spent. Students look at the different ways in which a citizen can contribute to the improvement of their community.  

Students also have the opportunity to develop their understanding through a variety of forms including;  

• External providers, such as Warning Zone, NHS, Leicestershire Police 

• Our careers provision, which includes a dedicated series of lessons on writing applications, personal statements and CVs, as well as 1:1 meetings about future careers and college applications 

• Wide range of educational visits and opportunities, including visits to local theatres, art galleries, local attractions such as Bradgate Park.

• Citizenship in action – students work together to contribute to the local community, such as foodbanks, fundraising and raising awareness of local issues 

• Representatives on the school council, who lead assemblies and co-ordinate events in school, such as the application for Eco-School status 

• Co-curriculum activities - from football to dance, to book clubs and Art Club, students have the opportunity to broaden their skills in working together with others. 

• Students have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award, developing their skills at working together and volunteering in the local community. 

• Dedicated tutor time sessions allow students to reflect on their learning from whole group assemblies and explore issues such as human rights, equality and mental health. 

Extra-curricular information 

Through the tutor programme, students are given the opportunity to practise active citizenship, becoming part of the school council, applying to be a Trail Blazer and participating in Pledge activities.