Courses - Social Sciences - AS Level Citizenship

AS Level: Citizenship
Applied AS/A Level: Health & Social Care (Double) | Health & Social Care (Single)
Applied GCSE Level: Health & Social Care
AS/A Level: Psychology | Religious Studies | Sociology | World Development
GCSE Level: Psychology | Sociology

As Level - Citizenship Studies
Entry Requirements:
GCSE grades in line with College admissions requirements. A Grade C in English would be useful as the course does require reading, note taking and essay writing.
About the Subject:
This AS subject will examine Citizenship from a social science perspective. It will provide many opportunities for students to develop their understanding of moral, ethical and social issues. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own experience of the social world in which they live, to develop their understanding and skills which will enhance their ability to participate more effectively as active citizens in their own local and global communities. Contemporary issues will be explored from political, ethical and moral perspectives. The nature of Citizenship is at the heart of modern debates about the kind of society we are striving to build and the role of individuals and the state in that process.
Suitable Subject Combinations:
Citizenship Studies combines particularly well with Politics, Law and Sociology. There is considerable overlap between these subjects and Citizenship Studies AS Level and students will particularly benefit from the knowledge and skill development offered by the course. Some students also choose AS Citizenship Studies because it is quite different to their other subjects and broadens the scope of their studies.
Course Content:
Year 1 - AS Level Unit 1: Identity, Rights and Responsibilities (written paper, 40% of AS marks). What does it mean to be British? What is a citizen and perceptions of being ‘British’. How socially diverse is Britain? Are we all equal citizens? Prejudice and discrimination. How can discrimination be reduced? Rights and responsibilities What are my rights and responsibilities? How are my rights protected? How do the courts protect my rights? Unit 2: Democracy, Active Citizenship and Participation (written paper, 60% of AS marks) Making a difference and Active Citizenship. Who holds power in the UK? How you can get involved and make a difference. People working together to create change. Year 2 - A2 Level Unit 3: Power and Justice Crime, Justice and Punishment The nature of crime and the role of the police The Crown Prosecution Service and the trial process Who makes decisions: judges, magistrates and juries Sentencing Politics, Power and Participation What is the nature of representative democracy in the UK? How are those elected held to account? What is the relationship of citizens to those elected? The power and influence of government. The global village? Unit 4: Global Issues and Making a Difference Global Citizenship Are there universal human rights? How are human rights protected? Human rights abuse. How can citizens bring about change on human rights? Global Issues Conflict and its resolution. In depth study of one internationa conflict. What are key global trade and environmental issues? How can citizens make a difference? Active Citizenship Students will study in depth a case study of a group that have made a difference. As you can see this pecification always tries to encourage students to focus on content via active citizenship or community participation whenever possible. The teaching and learning style will also be practical wherever possible ie debates/case studies/projects.
Assessment:
There will be two written assessment papers in each year (one lasting 1hour 15 mins and three 1hour 30 minutes). Each paper contributes 25% of the A Level marks.
Progression:
Citizenship Studies attracts full UCAS points for university entrance and employers also welcome the knowledge and skills it develops.