Being

Taught By: Mrs. Malak, LLB (Hons)

Citizenship at Brondesbury College is about encouraging a sense of social responsibility, community involvement and political understanding. It provides students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to play an effective role in public life. The department hopes to promote community cohesion by helping our students to respect people’s differences, whilst also promoting shared values. Citizenship allows our pupils to become better informed young citizens; as they get an opportunity to explore aspects of Rights, Responsibilities, the Legal System, Politics, the Media as well as contemporary global issues such as Fair Trade and Sustainable Development.

Aims and Objectives: The department aims to ensure that through Citizenship studies our students are provided with the skills to become:
* responsible citizens who make a positive contribution to society
* confident individuals who are effective advocates and representatives for themselves and others
* well informed young people, who enjoy learning, make progress and achieve their full potential in later life

Teaching and learning styles employed: The curriculum is taught through a variety of traditional lessons, presentations, debates and active citizenship projects. In order to help provide a stimulating atmosphere and develop skills of critical thinking
and enquiry pupils are given opportunities to consider controversial issues by analysing information and its sources. They are encouraged to articulate their views sensitively, listening to and thinking carefully about the views of others.

Course Structure:

Key Stage 3: Citizenship at BCB follows the National Curriculum guidelines, while also incorporating some of the Islam and Citizenship Education (ICE) programme; in order to instil the concept that being a responsible citizen is an integral part of Islamic teachings.

Key Stage 4:
Theme 1: Rights and Responsibilities Community and Identity Legal, Political and Human Rights Rights and Responsibilities of Consumers, Employers and Employees
Theme 2: Power, Politics and the Media Media – representation and reality The Legal system Politics and the role of democracy
Theme 3: The Global community European Union, United Nations and the Commonwealth Global Issues; Globalisation; Sustainable Development The UK economy

Assessment:
* Edexcel GCSE short course exam - constitutes 40% of the final grade and is externally assessed
* Participation in a Community Activity of their choice for coursework – this Controlled Assessment constitutes 60% of the final grade and is internally assessed, externally moderated.

Facilties and Resources:

Outside the classroom: Recently the department arranged a visit to the House of Commons to give our pupils an opportunity to develop their political understanding and engage in a dialogue with political leaders. The panellists at the event included: Dr. Vince
Cable, Secretary of State for Business, the Shadow Minister for Higher Education and Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party.