CITIZENSHIP

Head of Department

Ms N Cooper

All year 7, 8 and 9 students have regular Citizenship lessons at Bishop Stopford’s School.

Citizenship is the study of world issues which affect the lives of students at Bishop Stopford’s School.  Students are involved in investigating these issues and understanding how they affect them and what they can do as individuals and a part of society to change things.  The Citizenship curriculum explores areas such as how we make the law, our place within the economy, an understanding of the political and legal system and the development of democratic government , careers choices, human rights and the precious liberties enjoyed by citizens of the UK and how we all relate to the rest of the world. There is also a focus on tolerance, British values, communities and how we all live together, our similarities and differences.  The aim of the citizenship curriculum is to help our students to understand and play a part in the world locally, nationally and internationally and to be equipped with the skills to think critically and debate political questions.

The department consists of two teachers.

The Citizenship Department supports students to be:

  •  Aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens
  •  Informed about the social and political world
  •  Concerned about the welfare of others
  •  Articulate in their opinions and arguments
  •  Capable of having an influence on the world
  •  Active in their communities
  •  Responsible in how they act as citizens.

 

Citizenship lessons are based on issues that are:

  • real: learning about people’s lives
  • topical: current
  • sensitive: how issues can affect people at a personal level
  • controversial: issues which people disagree and hold strong opinions about them
  • moral: issues which relate to what people think is right or wrong, important or unimportant in society

PSHE

Citizenship lessons also cover aspects of PSHE which covers a wide range of topics including risk, relationships, diversity, healthy lifestyles, change, and financial capability. Depending on which year group they are in Pupils may also attend whole year group presentations on Bullying, Road Safety , SRE and Puberty during the year.

Our aim is to promote the happiness and well-being of our pupils. Our goal is to encourage in pupils sufficient understanding to develop as rounded, fulfilled individuals and as responsible citizens. Our programme is varied and sensitive to changing social pressures and individual needs.

CAREERS

Citizenship lessons also cover aspects of careers education which covers a wide range of topics including thinking skills, decision making, research into different career possibilities and guidance in year 9 option choices. Year 10 and 11 both participate in Work the Change days in order to help them make informed decisions about their futures.  

In Year 9, citizenship is taught once a week.

In year 7 and 8 Citizenship is taught once a fortnight

Citizenship in year 10-13.

Tutor groups discuss and explore a wide range of topics related to news items and current affairs.  All year 10 and 11 students study RE GCSE  in which ethical and global issues are discussed.

Developing pupils as leaders and student voice 

Leadership skills are developed from year 7 upwards. Pupil participation and involvement in school decision-making are encouraged through student council and through a system of prefects which  contributes strongly to pupils personal and social development.

Students higher up the school are encouraged to mentor young pupils both academically and pastorally.