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Citizenship/PSHEE

"Citizenship is more than a subject. If taught well and tailored to local needs, its skills and values will enhance democratic life for all of us, both rights and responsibilities, beginning in school and radiating out."
Sir Bernard Crick, National Curriculum Citizenship, 1999

Citizenship at Barking Abbey is a discreet subject taught alongside PSHCEE.

A team of specialist teachers are dedicated in ensuring students become successful learners, confident individuals and responsible citizens.

Miss Hart Head of Citizenship and PSHCEE
Mrs Gallon Citizenship and PSHCEE Key Stage Three Coordinator
Miss Sica Citizenship and PSHCEE teacher
Miss Smith Citizenship and PSHCEE teacher

KS3

Topics covered:

• What is Citizenship?
• Charities
• Local and National government
• Human rights
• Who represents us?
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• G Nation
  

KS4

Barking Abbey now offers the GCSE Short Course in Citizenship Studies to all students
There are two parts to the GCSE short course:

1. Citizenship Today
2. Participating in Society

Citizenship Today covers the following three themes:

Theme 1
Rights and Responsibilities
This theme explores different communities in the UK. It shows that respect and understanding between young people helps to create a better society. Students look at their rights and responsibilities as individuals, consumers and employees. They also learn why laws are needed and the different laws that protect citizens.

Theme 2
Power, Politics and the Media:
This theme shows students how they can make a change to society, both as an individual and as a member of voluntary groups. A section on political power shows students how they can make a difference by voting in elections. Students learn how they can speak to the local council about issues that concern them and how people can get involved in pressure groups. Students will also explore the power of the media in today’s society.

Theme 3
The Global Community:
This theme shows students how the economy works and how it affects everyone. Students explore the ways in which business affects our lives, both in the UK and in the rest of the world. Other global issues are examined in a section on the environment, which focuses on environmental problems and offers some possible solutions. Students learn about international organisations, such as the European Union and the United Nations, and find out what they do. Finally, students read about international pressure groups such as Amnesty International, and discover how they can contribute to their work.

Participating in Society
The course requires students to take part in a Citizenship Activity. Students keep a record of how it works and decide on how well it went.

Assessment
The assessment has two parts which match the two parts of the course:

• a Citizenship Activity Portfolio 40% (Participating in Society)
• a written exam 60% (Citizenship Today)

(Weightings will change for students sitting exams in 2011)

Results

A*- C: 2008 100%

Activities/Trips

Parliament 2009 - Watch this space

Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHEE)

PSHEE aims to help young people to embrace change, feel positive about who they are and enjoy healthy, safe, responsible and fulfilled lives. Through active learning opportunities students recognise and manage risk, take increasing responsibility for themselves, their choices and behaviours and make positive contributions to their families, schools and communities.

As students learn to recognise, develop and communicate their qualities, skills and attitudes, they build knowledge, confidence and self-esteem and make the most of their abilities. As they explore similarities and differences between people and discuss social and moral dilemmas, they learn to deal with challenges and accommodate diversity in all its forms. The world is full of complex and sometimes conflicting values. Personal wellbeing helps students explore this complexity and reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes. They identify and articulate feelings and emotions, learn to manage new or difficult situations positively and form and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of people. Personal wellbeing makes a major contribution to the promotion of personal development.

Education for economic wellbeing and financial capability aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and attributes to make the most of changing opportunities in learning and work. Through their learning and experiences inside and outside school, students begin to understand the nature of the world of work, the diversity and function of business, and its contribution to national prosperity. They develop as questioning and informed consumers and learn to manage their money and finances effectively.

SRE removal

Students can be removed from these lessons. Please inform Miss Hart either by phoning the office 02082704100 or directly by email: hartc@babbey.bardag.lea.org.uk if you do not want your son/daughter to take part in these lessons

Peer Education - Straight talking

The Government pledged to halve the rate of teenage pregnancies by the year 2010. It is struggling to reach its targets. There are more teenage parents in the UK than anywhere else in Europe. Statistically, their children are also more likely to become teenage parents. We are working to break this cycle.

During the summer term year ten students take part in a four week course designed to raise young people’s awareness of the problems of teenage pregnancy. It aims to give students an educated choice for their future.

Straight Talking trains and employs young mothers and fathers to deliver the course.

Teenage mothers and fathers are the experts on young parenthood and give young people an educated choice about the time to become a parent. They highlight the responsibilities of parenting and the issues of:

• losing their childhood
• living in poor accommodation
• losing their social life
• limiting their future through the loss of education and training opportunities
  

Educational Theatre

Arc Theatre Company

Recent productions include: The Good Life, Teenage pregnancy, sexual health and physical wellbeing

The company tackles sensitive subjects using theatre as a catalyst for debate. Exploring the causes and consequences of high-risk behaviour, peer pressure, choices and responsibilities, this programme creates a powerful arena within which to talk about the stuff that matters.

Chain Reaction Theatre Company

Chain Reaction Theatre Company regularly visits Barking Abbey School to enhance and extend students learning

Recent productions include: Moving on up ‘Aspirations and fulfilling the future’

The show is specifically aimed at year 8, to provide guidance, ideas and information prior to taking their options.
The performance and workshops encourage young people to ask themselves questions, by inspiring them to think about their strengths and their future plans, and helping them realise that they have something positive to contribute to society. It provides realistic expectations of the world of work and further education, and raises self esteem and confidence in young people by opening up new horizons and providing practical steps to helping them achieve their aspirations.

Know your mind
‘Drug awareness’

‘Know Your Mind’ looks at the physical, psychological and broader effects of many drugs including cannabis, amphetamines, ecstasy, cocaine, crack, heroin and solvents. The abuse of alcohol is an increasing problem amongst young people and Chain Reaction address this issue by showing that the addictive nature of alcohol and the devastating effects of its abuse are as great as any illegal substance. The show offers clear, accurate information and balanced perspectives about drugs whilst also exploring skills in decision making. By encouraging young people to look at their own attitudes towards drug misuse, this show empowers them to make informed decisions about their own lives.