AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies

3.1 Citizenship Skills, Processes and Methods

• Forming Hypotheses and Reasoned Arguments
• Understanding Methods and Approaches
• Formulating Citizenship Enquiries
• Selecting and Organising Knowledge
• Presenting Viewpoints
• Planning Practical Citizenship Actions
• Evaluating Citizenship Actions
• Knowledge and Understanding of Relationships

3.2.1 Principles and Values of British Society

• Key Principles and Values
• Rights, Duties, Equalities and Freedoms
• Creating Identities

3.2.2 Concept of Identity in the UK

• UK Composition and Identity Debates
• Population Changes and Movement
• Mutual Respect and Understanding
• Diverse Nature of UK Population

3.2.3 Role of the Media and Free Press

• Role in Informing and Influencing Public Opinion
• Right to Investigate and Report
• Press Regulation and Censorship

3.2.4 The UK in International Organisations

• Relationships with Global Organisations
• Implications of UK's Former EU Membership
• Resolving International Disputes and Conflicts
• NGOs and Humanitarian Crises

3.2.5 Citizen Participation and Influence

• Opportunities and Barriers to Citizen Participation
• Holding Those in Power to Account
• Role of Organisations in Providing a Voice
• Examples of Citizens Working Together
• Using the Media to Bring About Change

• Application of Citizenship Skills

3.3.1 Requirements and Purposes of Law

• Fundamental Principles of Law
• Nature of Rules and Laws
• Balancing Rights and Responsibilities

3.3.2 Citizen Rights in the Legal System

• The Operation of the Justice System
• Rights and Legal Entitlements of Citizens at Differing Ages
• Differences Between Civil and Criminal Law
• Differences in Legal Systems within the UK

3.3.3 Law Development and Criminality

• Development of Citizens' Rights Over Time
• Common Law and Legislation
• Right to Representation and Trade Unions
• The Nature of Criminality in the UK Today
• How We Deal With Those Who Commit Crime 2 notes
  • Punishment and Sentencing
  • The Youth Justice System

3.3.4 Universal Human Rights

• Key International Agreements and Treaties
• Role of International Law in Conflict Situations

3.3.5 Citizen Engagement in Legal Change

• Roles Undertaken by Citizens within the Legal System
• Roles Played by Groups in Society
• Forms of Democratic and Citizenship Actions

• Application of Citizenship Skills

3.4.1 Political Power and Control in the UK

• Forms of Democracy
• Democratic Values
• Institutions of the British Constitution
• The Uncodified British Constitution

3.4.2 Local and Devolved Government Powers

• Elected Local Government
• Regional and Devolved Government
• Organization of Powers
• Standing for Election
• Voting in Elections
• Public Taxes
• Budgeting and Risk Management
• Welfare, Health, and Education Provision

3.4.3 Locus of Political Power

• First Past the Post System
• Alternative Voting Systems
• Branches of Government and Monarchy
• Major Political Parties
• Parliamentary Functions
• Role of Members of Parliament
• Ceremonial and Parliamentary Roles
• The Legislative Process
• Formation of Government
• Prime Minister and Cabinet
• Government Administration

3.4.4 Comparative Governance Systems

• Democratic vs Non-Democratic Systems

3.4.5 Bringing About Political Change

• Contributing to Parliamentary Democracy
• Digital Democracy
• Citizen Actions for Change
• Roles of Institutions and Groups

3.4.6 Citizenship Skills and Methods

• Application of Citizenship Skills

3.5.1 Actions of Others

• Assessing Active Citizenship

3.5.2 Taking Citizenship Action

• Action Definition and Requirements
• Deciding the Issue
• Conducting Initial Research
• Planning the Action
• Executing the Action
• Assessing Impact
• Evaluating the Process