KS4 Curriculum Intention
KS4 builds upon work in Y9, including the introduction of money management and age-appropriate sexual health education.
DfE state that the purpose of Citizenship studies is to:
- “foster pupils’ keen awareness and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld” (2014:227).
- It should foster the skills and knowledge required to “explore political and social issues critically, to weight evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments”
- Help students to become “responsible citizens”
- Teach students how to “manage their money well and make sound financial decisions”
- DfE attainment target is stated as “pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study” (2014:227).
The DfE advises that the national curriculum for citizenship studies aims to ensure that all pupils gain a “sound knowledge and understanding of how the United Kingdom is governed” (politics, democracy, voting and elections); “the role of law and justice” and how laws are “shaped and enforced”, “develop and interest in, and commitment to, participation in volunteering as well as other forms of responsible activity”; develop capacity for critical thinking and debate.
KS4 Curriculum Knowledge Covered
KS4 Content:
- Parliamentary democracy: power of government, role of citizens and Parliament in holding those in power to account, free press (roles of the executive, legislature and judiciary to ensure free press).
- Different electoral systems used in and beyond UK, what citizens can do (vote locally, nationally and internationally) to influence decisions
- Other systems and forms of government, both democratic and non-democratic beyond the UK. (2014:228) British Values The rule of law Individual liberty Democracy Mutual respect Tolerance of difference (different faiths and different beliefs
British Values
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Democracy
- Mutual respect
- Tolerance of difference (different faiths and different beliefs)
