Your Rights

Citizenship

Citizenship means being a member of a particular country and having rights and responsibilities because of it. It is now part of the range of subjects taught in school.

What is Citizenship all about?

In your last two years in school, Citizenship will help you find out about the things you need to know, understand and be able to do to play an effective role in the community at local, national and international levels. You will learn about:

  • how legal and human rights relate to citizens;
  • the origins and implications of the diverse national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the UK and the need for mutual respect and understanding; the work of parliament, government and the courts;
  • the opportunities for individuals and voluntary groups to bring about change;
  • the importance of a free press and the role of the media;
  • how the economy functions, including the rights and responsibilities of consumers, employers and employees; and
  • the UK's relations within Europe and with the Commonwealth and the United Nations, and the wider issues of global interdependence and responsibility, including sustainable development.

You will develop skills of enquiry and critical thinking; discussion and debate; negotiation and accommodation; participation in school and community based activities.

Get involved

Citizenship activities, both in lessons and other opportunities, provide a way for you to learn about what you can do as an effective member of the community, and what you should expect from others. Lessons may help you to find out what is important to your community, to understand about your responsibilities and how to become involved in the community. Your school might have a school council that provides opportunities for you to be involved and make a difference in the way things happen in your school.

These sites give some further information about citizenship and things that you can do to become involved in your community.