AS Citizenship Studies

Citizenship Studies
The AQA Citizenship Studies Course is a broad-based social science that spans across Politics, Law and Sociology. The issue of citizenship is beginning to have a higher profile in schools following on from PSHE and other citizenship related courses. This AS course will go beyond the issues covered at school into considering more relevant and current issues such as: police powers, Human Rights and the impact of media on all aspects of life.

From September 2010, AQA will offer this course at A2 level. This qualifications will attract UCAS points.

We currently only offer AS level Citizenship

What Will I Learn on this Course?

AS CITIZENSHIP STUDIES

• What does it mean to be British?
• Are we all equal citizens?
• What are you rights and responsibility?
• Are my rights protected?
• Who can make a difference?
• How can I make a difference?
• Active participation skills and participation

Courses Content and Method of Assessment

Unit 1 - written paper (1hr 15m): Identity, Rights and Responsibilities;
40% of the total AS marks
20% of the total A level marks.

Unit 2 - written paper (1hr 30m): Democracy, Active Citizenship and
Participation;
60% of the total AS marks
30% of the total A level marks.

This is assessed by sourced based questions and mini essay questions. There will also be structured questions on active citizenship participation. Candidates bring their Active Citizenship Profile into the exam.

After the Course?

Citizenship Studies provides a broad overview of legal, political and sociological matters. As such, it provides a useful general background knowledge of life-long issues, not particularly to any one discipline and not ruled out of any area of employment.

Citizenship will be invaluable in 'people orientated' professions such as teaching, social work and the police force. But it may also be a firm basis of law, management and other decision-making careers. Students studying Citizenship will be more politically aware of voting issues.

Subject Combination

Most obviously Politics, Sociology and Law (some overlap here) but otherwise Citizenship should be regarded as a Humanities discipline complementing any subject to provide greater breadth in a student's programme.

Entry Requirements

All students on a full AS or A level programme are expected to have a minimum of five GCSEs grade A*-C.