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KS3 and 4: Citizenship (core)

Intent

Our aim is to provide students with the knowledge and understanding which will equip them with the tools needed to become active citizens. Our citizenship curriculum is delivered through bespoke focused weeks during tutor time and focuses on:

  1. Fostering students’ keen awareness and understanding of democracy, government and how laws are made and upheld;
  2. Equipping students with the skills and knowledge to explore political and social issues critically, to weigh evidence, debate and make reasoned arguments; and
  3. Preparing students to take their place in society as responsible citizens, manage their money well and make sound financial decisions.

Implementation

In Key Stage 3, students will focus on the following key aspects of the national curriculum:

  • the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch
  • the operation of Parliament, including voting and elections, and the role of political parties
  • the precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom
  • the nature of rules and laws and the justice system, including the role of the police and the operation of courts and tribunals
  • the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities, including opportunities to participate in school-based activities
  • the functions and uses of money, the importance and practice of budgeting, and managing risk

Through bespoke sessions, students will develop understanding of fundamental British values such as democracy, government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. Students have the opportunity to utilise and apply their knowledge and understanding of these key concepts, whilst developing skills to research and interrogate evidence, debate and evaluate viewpoints, present reasoned arguments and take informed action.

The learning and development will be supported through the main curriculum, particularly as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. The IB philosophy is a fundamental pillar of our curriculum, supporting students to become outstanding global citizens.

Impact

The impact of the curriculum will be seen through pupils gaining extensive amounts of knowledge and skills which enable them to access the next steps in their education and life. Our students obtain an excellent understanding of the citizenship curriculum and the skills to apply their learning to the real world so that they are ready to make sensible, informed decisions.

The work at key stage three is assessed each module in the form of a quiz to identify the knowledge that is retained. We also offer a citizenship qualification at GCSE that builds on the work covered at key stage three which then supports the IBCP (Career related programme) in the global citizenship aspects, as well as preparing key stage four and five for the world of work.

Citizenship National Curriculum

KS3: RSHE and Citizenship (Individuals and Societies)

Intent

The Relationships, Sex and Health Education program is developed to help our students navigate our complex and changing world that we live in. The overall  aim is to develop healthy and happy students, who have developed knowledge and skills that will not only help them through their school years, but also during their adult life. Students will be educated about circumstances that they may face in the ‘real world’ as well as the ‘virtual world’ and explore methods of dealing with circumstances and emotions in a positive and protective way. Students, at the end of their education at Wilmington academy, will have the skills needed to help them develop resilience and begin to work out their place in the world.

Schedule of Learning

Action Day Schedule
  • Day 1- In a world where you can be anything, be kind
  • Day 2- Our world
  • Day 3- 24 hours in A&E
Action Day schedule
  • Day 1- Fights, FOMO, friends and tattoos.
  • Day 2- How can we create a healthy life?
  • Day 3- How can we create a happy life?
Action day schedule
  • Day 1- For better for worse, for richer, for poorer?
  • Day 2- Oh baby
  • Day 3- A Snapchat story and beyond
Form schedule
  • Module 1- Mindfulness and mental health
  • Module 2 – The dangers of alcohol and smoking
  • Module 3 – How can we be healthy? Links to personal hygiene and tooth decay
  • Module 4 – Celebrating diversity
  • Module 5 –  Our impact on the world
  • Module 6 – What is your identity? How is it created? Why is it important?

Implementation

Students are taught the 13 topics of RSHE through a spiralled curriculum, with knowledge built and developed as they progress throughout the school. Content is delivered during Action days and during form sessions on a weekly basis. The content, despite remaining similar, will change and be amended to suit the needs of the current cohort.

Impact

Through lessons based on the 13 key elements of the framework, students will develop and build on knowledge gained, to help them develop the resilience, skills and knowledge that will help them to develop a healthy, happy and informed life.  Through the curriculum, students will be able to develop coping mechanisms to promote positive mental health, thus enhancing their experiences both socially and academically.

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