Introduction
This AS Level takes students through the whole spectrum of citizenship, from learning about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen and how the country is governed through to taking action to bring about change. As a result, students will have a greater appreciation of their role in society…and also be better prepared for higher education in a number of rewarding subjects. The AS focuses on ‘identity, rights and responsibilities’. This involves discussing a range of subjects and questions such as what it means to be British, how far is Britain a multi-cultural society, the nature of stereotypes, the equality of citizens, and the rights and responsibilities of the individual. The second topic is titled, ‘Democracy, active citizenship and participation’. This includes questions like ‘who can make a difference?’ Who holds power in the UK?’, and ‘How can I make a difference?’. As part of this unit students will learn about the electoral process and the impact pressure groups have on the democratic process. In addition to the examined units, students are required to be involved in a range of citizenship activities. These activities can vary from conducting an election; organising a meeting, event or debate; reviewing college policy or lobbying and campaigning via a website, podcast or display. These activities must be recorded in an ‘Active Citizenship Profile’ which may then be taken in to and used in some of the examinations.
Further Details
Subjects that link particularly well with this course are Law, Politics and Sociology. The course contains elements from all three of these subjects. It also goes particularly well with the Debating and Public Speaking enrichment option (this can contribute to the active citizenship requirement).
Progression Options
As part of a wider programme the course provides an excellent basis for progression to a wide range of careers and/or university courses.
