Wilson's School

Citizenship

Citizenship at Wilson’s School

Citizenship is not taught as a standalone subject. Instead, we deliver a carefully sequenced programme from Year 7 to Year 13 through a combination of academic subjects, enrichment, and pastoral provision.

As a result of studying the National Curriculum, pupils develop knowledge and understanding, as well as the skills, values, and experiences needed to become active, informed, and responsible citizens.

Citizenship is embedded across the curriculum through subjects including History, English, PSHE, Religious Education, Geography, and Maths, alongside assemblies, enrichment programmes, student leadership opportunities, and wider community engagement. The Elizabethan curriculum (Year 9) includes Key Stage 3 and 4 National Curriculum content from Citizenship, providing a strong foundation for pupils’ political understanding and British cultural experiences.

Our curriculum is designed to ensure that students:

  • Develop a secure understanding of democracy, government, and how laws are made
  • Understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens
  • Are able to critically evaluate evidence, debate issues, and present reasoned arguments
  • Gain an appreciation of diversity, equality, and mutual respect
  • Develop the confidence and motivation to participate actively in society
  • Across all key stages, students revisit core themes, allowing knowledge to be built progressively and applied in increasingly complex contexts.

Politics and Democracy


Students develop an understanding of political systems and democratic processes.

This begins in Year 7 with the study of the relationship between monarchy and Parliament in History, and develops further in Year 8 through the study of elections, suffrage, and political participation. In English, students debate contemporary issues such as the voting age and deliver speeches on significant political figures.

At Key Stage 4, students engage in a structured programme, called the Elizabethan, exploring the UK political system, including Parliament, elections, the constitution, and law-making processes. This is further extended through the study of global political systems in Year 10, including the USA, China, Russia, and other international contexts.


Law, Rights and Justice


Students develop an understanding of the rule of law and the justice system.

In Key Stage 3, PSHE covers legal frameworks around issues such as drugs, criminal responsibility, and safeguarding, including FGM and reporting duties. English texts explore themes of power, corruption, and justice. Students also benefit from external speakers, including the police, who deliver sessions on safety and the law.

At Key Stage 4, students study the UK legal system in detail, including types of law, courts, and how laws are made and applied. They explore how legislation has been used to address issues such as equality and social justice, while also gaining an introduction to human rights and international law.


Diversity, Equality and Identity


A strong emphasis is placed on promoting mutual respect and understanding.

In Key Stage 3, this is delivered through PSHE (including equality, racism, British values, and neurodiversity), assemblies, and the pastoral curriculum. In English and RE, students explore a range of perspectives and experiences, supporting empathy and understanding.

At Key Stage 4, students study diverse identities through English Literature, including the Worlds and Lives anthology and modern texts exploring identity in Britain. Geography further develops this understanding through the study of urban diversity, particularly in London.

Across all years, assemblies and pastoral provision reinforce messages around inclusion, respect, and social responsibility. This is driven by our Equalities Lead, who ensures that all departments regularly review and improve diversity and representation within both the curriculum and the wider school.


Community Participation and Responsibility


Students are encouraged to contribute actively to their school and wider community.

In Key Stage 3, students engage in charitable activities, form-time initiatives, and assemblies focused on participation and community awareness. Religious Education also explores the importance of charitable giving across faiths.

At Key Stage 4, this develops further through:

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (widely undertaken from Year 9), including volunteering components
Opportunities for student leadership, including prefect roles
Whole-school charity initiatives and campaigns
These experiences ensure students understand how citizens can work together to improve their communities.


Financial Education and Economic Understanding


Students are equipped with essential financial literacy skills.

In Key Stage 3:
Maths develops understanding of money, budgeting, and financial calculations
Geography explores global trade and economic systems
PSHE introduces financial decision-making and career planning


At Key Stage 4:
PSHE and Futures lessons cover credit, debt, savings, taxation, mortgages, and financial risk
Students explore public spending and the economy, including the welfare state
Geography examines the UK economy and its relationship with the wider world
This ensures students are well prepared for independent financial decision-making.


Outline Programme of Study


Key Stage 3 (Years 7–8): Foundations
Students build core knowledge and understanding of Citizenship themes.

  • History: Development of Parliament, monarchy, and suffrage
  • English: Debate, political speech writing, and analysis of power and justice
  • PSHE: Equality, laws, rights, British values, and personal responsibility
  • RE: Ethics, charity, and community responsibility
  • Maths & Geography: Financial literacy and global economic systems
  • Pastoral Programme: Assemblies on diversity, equality, participation, and society
  • Enrichment: External speakers, including police and community organisations

This stage focuses on establishing key concepts, vocabulary, and awareness.


Key Stage 4 (Years 9–11): Deepening and Application
Students deepen their understanding and apply it to more complex issues.

  • Year 9 Enrichment Programme: Detailed study of democracy, Parliament, elections, the constitution, and the legal system
  • Year 10 Global Political Issues: Comparative study of global political systems and international relations
  • PSHE & Futures: Voting, financial literacy, careers, and citizenship responsibilities
  • English: Study of identity, diversity, and social issues through literature
  • Duke of Edinburgh & Leadership: Volunteering, participation, and leadership
    Students at this stage develop the ability to analyse, evaluate, and form independent judgements.


Key Stage 5 (Years 12–13): Extension and Leadership
Students develop as informed, active citizens through enrichment focused on global issues, leadership and community opportunities, critical thinking and debate, volunteering, and the exploration of ethical themes in the Sixth Form’s Moral Maze. Students leave as independent thinkers with a strong sense of civic responsibility.


Wider Citizenship Provision


Citizenship education extends beyond the classroom through a wide range of opportunities that all pupils access, helping to develop their knowledge, skills, and sense of responsibility. These include participation in assemblies, whole-school initiatives, and engagement with visiting speakers and external organisations, alongside opportunities for leadership, enrichment, and awareness of current affairs through regular use of platforms such as The Day, to which all pupils have access.

Through these experiences, students are able to apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts.