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Citizenship

THEME A - LIVING TOGETHER IN THE UK

 

 

 

 

Key Topics within Theme A

Students are introduced to the idea that the UK is a diverse society of many different communities and groups who live together. They explore the nature of identity and multiple identities as well as how and why communities are changing. They consider the democratic rights, freedoms and values that we share, including human rights and the challenge of balancing competing rights. Opportunities for developing citizenship skills include: to debate and explore identities, rights, values and democracy, and to gain a practical understanding of being an active citizen through contributing to local democracy and taking citizenship action to resolve problems, tackle inequality and improve justice. Key questions explored: How have communities developed in the UK? What is identity? What are democratic values and where do they come from? How does local democracy work?

1. The changing UK population T
he changing composition of the UK population in terms of age, ethnicity, religion and disability.

2. Migration and its impact
The social, economic and other effects of immigration to the UK, including why it has been seen as a benefit and a challenge. Types of migrants coming to the UK (economic migrants, refugees, asylum seeker) and the reasons why people migrate. Sources of migration from 1945 to the present, including Commonwealth countries and Europe

3. Respect and understanding
What mutual respect means in practice and why it is necessary in a diverse society: the effects of inequality and discrimination on individuals, groups and communities, and the role of the Equality Act 2010 in preventing discrimination. How mutual understanding is encouraged in schools and the wider community; the concepts of diversity, integration and community cohesion that underpin democratic society.

4. Identity
That people’s identities can be defined in various ways (e.g. ethnic, religious, gender, age, social, cultural, national, local, regional); the concept of multiple identities. The impact on identity debates of the UK being comprised of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.

 

5. Rights, duties and values that underpin democracy.
Human, moral, legal and political rights and freedoms in the UK, 6 Development of human rights 7 Citizens and local government The distinction between councillors and officers. The role of local councils in representing the 8 Paying for local services How councils are funded through council tax, business including: to equality and representation; to freedom of speech, opinion and association; to tolerance and respect; and to privacy. The duties of citizens to respect the rights and freedoms of others, and to obey the law. That rights of different people or groups (nationally and locally) can come into conflict and need to be balanced in different situations in life and work where there is inequality or unfairness. Why the rule of law is necessary in a democracy. The checks and balances needed in relation to rights and freedoms, including debates about freedom of speech, privacy and the threat from terrorism.

6.  Development of human rights.
Magna Carta as a first step against arbitrary rule and a guarantee of justice. The rights and freedoms protected by the: o UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights o European Convention on Human Rights o United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child o Human Rights Act 1998.

7. Citizens and local government The distinction between councillors and officers. The role of local councils in representing the community and the services that they typically provide.

8.  Paying for local services How councils are funded through council tax, business rates, government grants and income from charges.