AS and A2 level Citizenship

AS and A2 level Citizenship

The attack on the World Trade Centre on 11 September 2001, the Madrid train bombings on 11 March 2004 and the London bombings on 7 July 2005 sent shock waves throughout the western world. Grand speeches were delivered by Heads of State, warning that terrorism threatens our democracy, our individual rights and our freedoms. But there were those who argued that in the wake of such disasters we must also consider the reasons for the attacks. Global inequalities and poverty deny billions of people the kind of citizens†rights we enjoy in the western world and can no longer be ignored. Citizenship tackles all the relevant issues.

We examine our rights and obligations as citizens and we question the nature of our democracy. We study our criminal justice system, consider the factors that contribute to the persisting inequalities in our society, and look at ways to bring about change.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Lessons will include a variety of activities such as general discussions, group and individual work, the use of video and IT.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
For AS the two units are:

·Identity and Democracy
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will look at the central ideas of citizenship, identity and democracy. We will consider questions such as: what does it mean to be British? How socially diverse is Britain? Are we all equal citizens? What are our rights and responsibilities and how are they protected in our legal system?

·Community Action and Active Citizenship
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will look at community action and active citizenship considering issues such as how citizens can make a difference through participation in politics and their communities.

For A2 the two units are:

·Power and Justice
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will look at power and justice considering questions such as: what is crime? What is justice? How is the UK governed and who speaks on our behalf?

·Global Issues and Making a Difference
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will look at Universal Human Rights and conflict resolution. You will also research a topical issue.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
All four units will be assessed by external examination. There is no coursework but second year students will have to research material provided in advance by the awarding body (AQA) upon which they will be examined.

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THIS COURSE?
·The full Citizenship Studies course
(3 lessons per week) â€" this course will be available to all with a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C and above

·Citizenship Studies with Government and Politics
(2 lessons per week) â€" this course will be available to those who also choose to study AS Government and Politics

WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH CITIZENSHIP?
This is a subject that contains input from Government and Politics, Law and Sociology and is, therefore, of particular interest for students who are thinking of studying any of these related subjects.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
Citizenship should prove useful for those planning a career in law, the police, journalism, the diplomatic service, the civil service, social services, local government, public relations, management and policy making.

Requirement
You will need an average GCSE score of at least five points, including a minimum grade B or above in Science (Core) and a grade B in Additional Science or a grade C in GCSE Chemistry together with a grade B in Maths.
You should be confident in handling numbers and equations. For some students who need further support we may run Chemistry workshop classes alongside regular Chemistry lessons.
If you studied Applied Science units you will need to have studied the relevant components in depth.