January 2026 Citizenship subject update

We’re excited to share details of an upcoming online event designed to support teachers delivering Pearson Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies.

The online event is intended to support teachers who are delivering Pearson Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies and would like training to support their understanding of Theme E: Taking Citizenship Action.

30 June 2026 at 16:00-17:00 BST

Book your place 

In November, we ran an online training session for teachers wishing to take an in depth look at feedback relating to our GCSE Citizenship Studies summer 2025 exam series.

For those who were unable to join us for the event relating to 'Exam Insights' the recording and delegate pack will be available for Pearson Edexcel teachers soon. 

This guide showcases the professional development opportunities available for Citizenship.

Our training is built to help educators create lessons that are both engaging and impactful. Each session strengthens teaching practice while deepening subject knowledge and understanding of the Pearson specification.

See page 15 of the guide for to explore the available training for GCSE Citizenship: 

Guide 

‘Citizenship Studies in the News’ aims to stimulate discussion for GCSE Citizenship Studies by considering contemporary issues and their relevance to our lives.

We have compiled a range of current news articles* and linked these to the key questions, explored in themes A-D of the specification. You may wish to investigate and integrate into your teaching practice to help contextualise key issues and bring the subject to life!

Edition 16 includes the following articles:

• Theme A: Article is from Aljazeera.com titled 'Why is Australia banning social media for teenagers?'
  Video is from is from Reuters on Youtube titled 'Australia PM says under-16s social media ban 'will change lives' | REUTERS'
• Theme B: Article is from The Scotsman titled: 'John Swinney vows SNP will cut energy bills by one third with independence'
• Theme C: Article is from The Times titled 'Is crime in the UK really on the rise? The reality in charts'
• Theme D: Article is from The Standard titled 'Who are Take Back Power? Activists behind Crown Jewels attack vow to target London's super-rich'
  The Website links to TakeBackPower.net 

Edition 16

I’m here to support you in delivering our Citizenship GCSE and help you feel confident every step of the way.

It’s been fantastic meeting so many of you through these 1-1 Teams sessions already!

Appointments can be booked up to eight weeks in advance so why not secure your slot today?

Book an appointment 

Ofqual has launched a consultation on proposals for how on-screen assessment should be regulated in GCSEs, AS and A levels in England. Whilst they propose a controlled introduction of on-screen assessment, pen-and-paper will remain central to most exams.

As teachers working directly with students, you understand their needs and the challenges this proposal may present.

Your opinion counts. The consultation closes on 5 March 2026. Please take a look and have your say.

Regulating on-screen assessment 

Parliament UK are holding an online engagement event for students aged 14 to 18, to mark Women’s History Month.   Join the Lord Bishop of Gloucester and Baroness Boycott as they respond to students’ questions. Together, they’ll celebrate the impact of prominent women in these roles.

Question Time will be broadcast on YouTube at 14:00 on Wednesday 25 March

Learn more 

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