March 2023 GCSE Citizenship Studies Subject Update
Welcome to your Pearson Edexcel Citizenship Studies February 2023 subject update!
Hello colleagues,
I hope the term is running smoothly for you all! I wanted to take the opportunity to share some useful links, information and reminders with you that may help support you in the classroom.
As always, if you have any questions about anything within this update or about our Citizenship Studies qualification, please do get in touch with me at TeachingCitizenship@pearson.com
Best wishes,
Susan Currey
Citizenship Studies Subject Advisor
Clarification regarding the UK and EU relationship (for Summer 2023 exams)
In Autumn 2022, changes were made to our GCSE Citizenship Studies specification following the Department for Education’s new content requirements.
All changes made came into effect for first teaching in the academic year 2022/2023, and first assessment Summer 2024.
The 2023 exam series will remain unchanged.
What does this mean for discussions of the UK/EU relationship in the 2023 exam series?
As we have received several queries about what this means for Summer 2023 exams, we have released the following clarification:
Taking Citizenship Action Submission reminder
Citizenship Action is a planned course of informed action to address a citizenship issue or question of concern and aimed at delivering a benefit or change for a particular community or wider society. This is a required part of the GCSE Citizenship Studies course and students are examined on their action as part of Paper 2.
Each year, centres must certify that candidates have completed their Citizenship Action and submit a form to confirm this.
This must be submitted by 15th May.
The links to the Citizenship Action form and the authentification submission are below:
The Orwell Youth Prize
The Orwell Youth Prize uses the writing of George Orwell to inspire writing from students in Years 8-13. This is a great opportunity for Citizenship Studies teachers to encourage writing around the curriculum. This year's theme is:
'Who's in Control?'
Who or what is really in control, of our futures, our bodies, our communities, our countries, our planet?
Journalism, essays, short stories, reviews, blog posts, poems, plays and even video game design concepts are all welcome.
More information can be found on the Orwell Foundation website:
Democracy Classroom
Democracy Classroom is a partnership of over 80 non-partisan, democracy, education and youth organisations. They collectively support teachers, youth workers and practitioners to engage young people in elections.
Their website includes a range of resources, training opportunities and collaborative events which may be useful for those teaching Citizenship Studies.
More information can be found on their website:
Subject advisor
Jenna Wyatt
Citizenship
