Politics and Citizenship

About Politics and Citizenship

The Politics and Citizenship Department at The Bridge Academy aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand the world around them and participate positively in society.

Our curriculum reflects and supports our Academy’s vision and values, helping students to develop as confident, responsible and engaged members of their school, community and wider society. Through Politics and Citizenship, students are encouraged to develop the qualities needed to succeed both within and beyond the academy, including curiosity, respect, responsibility, critical thinking and a willingness to contribute to the communities of which they are part.

Through the study of Politics and Citizenship, students explore how democracy works, how decisions are made, how rights and responsibilities shape our society, and how individuals can influence change. Students are encouraged to question, debate and analyse different perspectives while developing the ability to form informed and well-reasoned views.

Our curriculum develops students’ political literacy, critical thinking, communication and active citizenship skills. From their introduction to Politics and Citizenship in Key Stage 3, through GCSE Citizenship Studies and into A-level Politics, students build increasingly sophisticated knowledge and understanding of political institutions, ideas, rights, law, democracy and contemporary issues.

We believe that Politics and Citizenship should extend beyond the classroom. Students are given opportunities to engage with real-world political and civic issues, hear from people involved in public life, debate important questions and take action on issues that matter to them.

Ultimately, our aim is for students to leave The Bridge Academy with the knowledge, skills, confidence and experience to participate actively and responsibly in our democracy and wider society, while embodying the values that underpin our academy community.

Our Curriculum Journey

Year 8 – Politics Enrichment

Students in Year 8 begin their Politics and Citizenship journey with a six-week introduction to democracy Enrichment programme through the Unit Democracy: How does the UK actually work?

Students explore the fundamental principles, institutions and processes of UK democracy, including elections, political parties, Parliament, Government, the Prime Minister, law-making, rights, freedoms and the rule of law. Through games, simulations, class discussions and debates and a mock election, students begin to understand how democracy works and how young people can have a voice within it.

Year 9 – Citizenship

In Year 9, students build on their understanding of democracy and develop a broader understanding of citizenship, justice, participation and contemporary global issues.

Across the year, students study:

• The UK Criminal Justice System – exploring crime, law, justice and the institutions involved in the criminal justice system.
• Active Citizenship – applying their knowledge of the criminal justice system through a Citizenship Action project.
• The Rwandan Genocide – examining genocide, human rights and the consequences of discrimination and prejudice.
• Democracy in the UK – developing their understanding of democratic institutions, participation and political processes.
• Democratic Deficit and Digital Democracy – considering challenges facing democracy and exploring how digital technology and social media are changing political participation.
• End-of-Year Examination Revision – consolidating knowledge and preparing students to demonstrate their understanding independently.

Year 10 and 11 – GCSE Citizenship Studies

Students who continue their study into Key Stage 4 follow the AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies specification.

The GCSE develops students' knowledge of British society, rights, responsibilities, politics and participation, while providing opportunities to apply their learning through active citizenship.

Year 12 and 13 – A-level Politics

At Key Stage 5, students can progress to Edexcel A-level Politics, where they develop increasingly sophisticated political knowledge, analysis, evaluation and argument.

Curriculum Roadmap 

Progression through the Curriculum

Across Years 8–13, students progressively develop their:

Knowledge → Understanding → Application → Analysis → Evaluation → Political Participation

Students begin by asking how democracy works, progress to understanding their rights, responsibilities and role as citizens, and ultimately develop the ability to analyse and evaluate political systems, institutions and ideas.

Our curriculum therefore aims not only to prepare students for GCSE and A-level examinations, but to develop the political literacy, critical thinking and active citizenship skills they need to engage confidently with the world around them.

Enrichment and Active Citizenship

Politics and Citizenship beyond the Classroom

Our enrichment programme gives students opportunities to engage directly with democracy, political institutions and civic life. Through debates, elections, visits, guest speakers, competitions and work experience, students are able to connect what they learn in the classroom with the people and institutions that shape our society.

UK Parliament Week – Tutor activities, quizzes, competitions, Parliament resources and Q&A sessions with MPs and local councillors.

Debate Mate – Debate programme for Years 7–10, developing students’ communication, critical thinking, confidence and teamwork.

Parallel Elections – Opportunities for students to experience the democratic process and take part in simulated elections.

Political Institution Visits – Visits to UK Parliament, 10 Downing Street and the UK Supreme Court, alongside opportunities to observe parliamentary hearings.

Guest Speakers – Hear from MPs, Senior Clerks of the House of Commons, civil servants and other political and civic professionals.

Political & Citizenship Events – Participation in events such as Learn with the Lords, exploring contemporary political and constitutional issues.

Work Experience & Shadowing – Opportunities to gain experience within the local MP’s Parliamentary and Constituency Offices.

Student Voice & Publication – Two of our students have contributed articles to the Teaching Citizenship Journal, writing about Votes at 16 and the importance of compulsory, discrete Citizenship education in all schools.

Active Citizenship Award – In 2024, our department was awarded the Active Citizenship Award by the Association for Citizenship Teaching (ACT), recognising our commitment to developing students as active and engaged citizens.

Future Pathways and Careers

Politics and Citizenship opens up a wide range of future pathways. Students develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, research, analysis, debate and decision-making, which are valuable across many careers and further education routes.

Students are introduced to careers in politics, government, law, journalism, public policy, the Civil Service, local government, campaigning, charities and the wider public sector. Through guest speakers, work experience, shadowing and visits, students can gain an insight into the different careers available within political and civic life.

Students who wish to continue their studies can progress to degrees and careers in Politics, International Relations, Law, PPE, History, Journalism and related subjects.

Useful Links and Resources

We encourage students to continue exploring Politics and Citizenship beyond the classroom. The following organisations and resources provide opportunities to develop political knowledge, explore current issues and find out more about future opportunities.

UK Parliament – Find out about Parliament, MPs, the House of Lords, elections and how laws are made.

UK Supreme Court – Information about the Supreme Court, landmark cases and the role of the judiciary.

AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies – Specification, assessment information and exam resources for GCSE Citizenship Studies.

Pearson Edexcel A-level Politics – Specification and qualification information for A-level Politics.

Association for Citizenship Teaching – Citizenship education resources, ideas and support.

tutor2u Politics – Free Politics revision notes, quizzes, videos, activities and exam support for GCSE and A-level students.

tutor2u Edexcel A-level Politics – Revision resources, topic videos, quizzes, study notes and exam support specifically for Edexcel A-level Politics.

Save My Exams – Edexcel A-level Politics – Topic-by-topic revision notes and exam resources for Edexcel A-level Politics.

Politics Explained – Free Resources – Free A-level Politics revision materials, terminology resources, essay-writing support and past-paper resources.