Citizenship

The Citizenship curriculum at Southend High School for Boys.

Citizenship

Curriculum intent

A high-quality citizenship education helps to provide pupils with knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them to play a full and active part in society. In particular, citizenship education should foster pupils’ keen awareness and understanding of democracy and human rights, government institutions, and how laws are made and upheld. Citizenship should also foster an appreciation for current affairs and an understanding of critical issues such as poverty, climate change, conflict and migration. Citizenship education should provide students with an appreciation of the institutions, challenges and potential for change at a local, national and global level. Teaching should equip pupils with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments. Citizenship education should provide opportunities for students to explore different ways of seeking change and taking action in their communities.

In the classroom

The student experience

Citizenship students at SHSB develop strong political literacy, enabling them to understand, analyse, and engage thoughtfully with the world around them. They are encouraged to immerse themselves in current affairs and develop an informed awareness of both national and global issues.

Through regular discussion and critical enquiry, students learn to articulate and justify their opinions on complex topics such as climate change, conflict, migration, inequality, and human rights. They are confident in engaging in reasoned debate, considering multiple perspectives, and evaluating evidence before forming judgements.

This creates students who are not only knowledgeable about political and social issues, but who are also active, reflective, and responsible citizens, prepared to participate meaningfully in democratic society.

Year by year

Curriculum journey

Core (all Year 7-10)

Year 7

Students are introduced to the basic principles and concepts that underpin politics and citizenship.

Year 8

The core principles learned in Year 7 are developed further, helping students understand the UK's political and legal framework.

Year 9

Students move beyond a UK-focused perspective to explore international law and human rights, broadening their understanding of global political systems.

Year 10

Building on their understanding of international human rights, students explore global terrorism as a human rights issue that impacts both the UK and wider global politics.

GCSE (Edexcel Citizenship)

Year 9

Students study four "big issues" that challenge UK and global politics: poverty, climate change, conflict, and migration. These themes build on prior knowledge of the UK political system and act as case studies to support GCSE learning.

Year 10

Students study Themes A, B, and C of the GCSE specification, deepening their understanding of rights, politics, and law in the UK.

Year 11

Students complete Theme D, which broadens their understanding of global political issues. They also undertake the Citizenship Action Project, applying their knowledge of democracy, advocacy, and citizenship.

How pupils are assessed

Assessment

Multiple choice questions, source questions and extended writing essay questions.

Beyond lessons

Enrichment opportunities

At SHSB, there are many Citizenship extracurricular opportunities available for students to get involved in:

A yearly Model United Nations conference, where students are given a nation to represent in debates on real-world issues.

Trips to the theatre, Parliament, and the Supreme Court.

Current Affairs Society – led by the Politics Prefect, helping students stay up to date with the news.

Law Society – led by the Politics Prefects, with activities such as mock trials, debating, and guest speakers.

Debating Society – a highly successful debating team that has achieved success in multiple competitions, including MACE and BP debating competitions.

Mock elections are held to mirror the general elections when they occur.

Parliament week is celebrated every November with activities and events throughout the school.

Where it leads

Careers & progression

Law

Politics

Public Service

Journalism

Social Work

Teaching

Questions about Citizenship?

Contact the Subject Leader via the school office.

Contact the school

Citizenship

Curriculum intent

The student experience

Curriculum journey

Assessment

Enrichment opportunities

Careers & progression

Questions about Citizenship?

Come and visit us