Citizenship & Politics

What is Citizenship?

Citizenship at HASU is the study of the relationship between individuals, the nation and the state. Citizenship encompasses the rights and responsibilities that we all have as members of society and how we in turn are impacted by society around us. We study democracy, government and law as well as many more topics that prepare all students to become functioning and contributing members of British society. It also includes an overview of life in modern Britain along with the political structure and how citizens participate being covered.

Why do we teach Citizenship at HASU?

The Citizenship curriculum at HASU has been designed to give students a foundation of knowledge of the key pillars that allow society to function. Citizenship forms an integral part of HASU’s Personal Development Curriculum, with lessons taught during tutor time. In these lessons, students are provided with powerful knowledge and concepts of democracy and active citizenship, amongst others, that prepare them for later life. At Key Stage 3, this includes human rights, privacy, individual liberty and different types of electoral system. The topics covered ensure that all students gain understanding of society and the role that they play within it. 

At GCSE, this foundational understanding is developed and expanded upon. GCSE Citizenship students gain the ability to recognise bias, critically evaluate arguments, weigh evidence, and look for alternative interpretations and sources of evidence, all of which are skills that will benefit them in higher education and employment. Citizenship at HASU also develops students’ skills to allow them to create sustained and reasoned arguments, present various viewpoints, critical analyse opinions and plan practical citizenship actions to benefit society.

How do we teach Citizenship at HASU? 

At HASU, Citizenship is taught by:

• Ensuring all students have a breadth and strength of knowledge of the key concepts of citizenship. This is supported by the use of comparative case studies which allow students to consolidate and demonstrate their understanding through their use and evaluation of specific and real examples. The use of retrieval practice and assessment for learning techniques such as questioning will also allow students to consolidate and broaden this knowledge and enable them to formulate and express substantiated opinions and judgements.  

• Consolidating student understanding through practical activities, such as curriculum trips such as to the Supreme court and Houses of Parliament. Exposure to democracy in action is vital in allowing students opportunities to engage with practical examples of what has been only theoretical within the classroom. Students also study a topic on active citizenship, which allows students to become involved with community issues and try implement positive change within the local area. 

• Developing skills to that students can form substantiated opinions, critically analyse alternatives viewpoints and to form conclusive judgements. This is done through classroom debate and discussion throughout the course.

What exam board do we study? 

Students studying Citizenship at HASU follow the AQA Citizenship Studies (8100) specification. 

What is Politics?

Politics is all about how societies make decisions and govern themselves. It is the process of deciding who gets power, how laws are made, and how resources are distributed. At its core, politics revolves around debates, policies, and the way people influence leadership and decision-making. It also It also examines political ideologies, international relations, policies, and the role of citizens in shaping governments.

Why do we teach Politics at HASU?

At Harris Academy Sutton, we teach Politics to develop students’ understanding of current affairs, political and historical structures of government and how decision-making shapes society. Studying politics also improves critical thinking, debate skills, and awareness of global issues, making students more informed about history, law, policies, and social movements. Through studying Politics, students become informed citizens who can engage thoughtfully with debates about voting, rights, media, courts, elections, governments, and constitutions.

How do we teach Politics at HASU?

The A Level Politics curriculum follows the Edexcel specification and is structured around key themes and topics. In Year 12, students study the following – Paper 1 UK Politics - Democracy and participation, Political parties, Elections, and voter behaviour. Paper 2 UK Government – Constitution, Parliament, Executives, and Relations between branches. In Year 13 Paper 3 – USA Comparative politics, they explore US constitution and federalism, Congress, the Presidency, Supreme court, and Voter behaviour.

Lessons are designed to be discussion-based and thought-provoking where a range of views are considered. Students learn to evaluate arguments and construct well-reasoned written responses and form conclusions. A variety of teaching methods are used, including debates, case studies, group work, and analysis of contemporary events. Students are encouraged question and discuss all topics so that a wider range of viewpoints and arguments are understood and evaluated.

What exam board do we study?

Students studying Politics follow the Edexcel Politics (9PLO) Specification.

This specification can be found here.