Citizenship Studies - GCSE
The OCR GCSE in Citizenship Studies is about being an active citizen. In this course, you develop knowledge about the political, legal, economic and social aspects of your life. In addition, you explore topical and controversial issues. You will develop skills and confidence through the citizenship activities you carry out which include a campaign within your community.
Entry Requirements
Four GCSEs at grade D including English Language. You will produce a short diagnostic piece of writing at interview. Enthusiasm for citizenship issues and activities and a willingness to learn actively and be active.
Course Content
Unit 1: Rights and Responsibilities: Getting started as an Active Citizen
- Rights and responsibilities to each other, our families and the wider community
- Rights and responsibilities as citizens within the economy and welfare systems
- Rights and responsibilities as global citizens
- Conduct a campaign to raise awareness and advocate action within your community
Unit 2: Identity, democracy and justice – understanding our role as citizens
- Citizenship, identity and community in UK
- Fairness and justice in decision making and law
- Democracy and voting
- UK’s relationship with Europe, Commonwealth and UN
Unit 3: Rights and responsibilities – extending our knowledge and understanding
- Rights and responsibilities at college and in the wider community
- Rights and responsibilities as citizens within the economy and welfare systems
- Extending understanding of global citizen’s rights and responsibilities
Unit 4: Identity, democracy and justice – leading the way as an Active Citizen
- Citizenship, identity and community cohesion in UK
- Extending understanding of the legal and justice system
- Democracy and voting
- Conduct a Citizenship enquiry based on source documents
- Carry out a Practical Citizenship Activity in which you plan, negotiate, take action and evaluate the impact of your activity.
Method of Assessment
Unit 2 and 3 are assessed by 1 hour exams (each contributing 20% of your final marks).
Units 1 and 4 are assessed under controlled conditions in which you compile written statements about your practical citizenship activities. Each of these controlled assessments contribute 30% of your final marks.
You will be required to collect evidence for all your practical citizenship activities and submit this evidence during the controlled assessments; all evidence must be fully referenced.