Citizenship
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‘Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country’John F Kennedy
Overview
The Citizenship department at King’s seeks to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to play an active, informed, and responsible role in society.
Through the study of government, law, democracy, human rights, and global issues, students develop the tools to understand the structures that shape their lives and to engage critically with the challenges facing local, national, and international communities.
Students will begin their study of Citizenship in Year 7 and continue through to GCSE in Year 11, exploring themes such as politics, justice, economics, media, and participation. The curriculum is designed to stretch students to think independently, communicate effectively, and act responsibly as citizens of a diverse and interconnected world.
Knowledge
The Citizenship curriculum is built around the study of democracy, law, rights, and responsibilities, ensuring that students gain a thorough understanding of the structures and systems that govern society.
They will examine how decisions are made at local and national levels, the role of parliament and the legal system, and how citizens can influence change. Students will also explore global issues such as sustainability, migration, and international cooperation, helping them to connect their learning to real-world contexts.
Discussion and enquiry are central, allowing students to reflect on their own roles and responsibilities while considering multiple perspectives.
Vocabulary Rich
Citizenship introduces students to a wide range of vocabulary drawn from politics, law, economics, and sociology. Terms such as democracy, suffrage, constitution, legislature, judiciary, civil liberties, globalisation, and equity form part of a rich glossary that underpins understanding of the subject.
Students are encouraged to analyse words etymologically and contextually, enabling them to engage confidently in debates and decipher complex material. A strong emphasis on key terminology prepares students for both examination success and informed participation in civic life.
Academic Skills / Independent Learners
Citizenship lessons are designed to develop critical thinking, oracy, and literacy skills. Students engage in debates, role-plays, and simulations such as mock trials and model parliaments, building confidence, empathy, and reasoning.
Extended writing tasks encourage learners to present evidence-based arguments, while structured enquiry promotes independent research and evaluative thinking. These transferable skills benefit students across the curriculum and prepare them for future education, work, and civic engagement.
Intellectual Habits
Through Citizenship, students develop intellectual habits of analysis, evaluation, and reflection. They learn to weigh evidence, challenge assumptions, and appreciate the complexity of social and political issues.
By engaging with ethical dilemmas and competing perspectives, students cultivate a healthy scepticism and a habit of critical enquiry, equipping them to form reasoned opinions and participate responsibly in democratic life.
Diverse
Citizenship naturally draws upon diverse perspectives and lived experiences. Students explore issues of identity, equality, and diversity within the UK and globally, engaging with different cultural, political, and social traditions.
The curriculum encourages learners to value differences while recognising shared human rights and responsibilities, broadening their worldviews and enhancing their ability to navigate a multicultural society.
Inclusive
Citizenship at King’s is inclusive by design. Lessons are adapted to meet a wide range of SEN needs, with scaffolding, models, and differentiated resources ensuring accessibility for all learners.
Given the often sensitive and topical nature of Citizenship discussions, the department prioritises cultural sensitivity and open communication with parents and carers. Regular dialogue ensures that lessons are responsive, respectful, and meaningful, enabling every student to thrive and achieve success.
