THE NEW SCHOOL

Policy for OCR Entry Level Certificate in Citizenship Studies (Entry 3)

Citizenship studies has been designed to recognise candidates basic knowledge and understanding of citizenship issues and also to encourage candidates’ practical involvement in citizenship and community activities. The content of this qualification reflects the content of the National Curriculum for Citizenship. This is a unit based qualification, without any exams.

Aims.

• To develop an awareness of the rights and responsibilities of self and others.
• To develop basic knowledge of communities and the work and influence of community groups.
• To develop basic understanding of decision-making processes.
• To develop basic understanding of government and democratic processes.
• To develop basic awareness of the individual as a world citizen.
• To encourage active participation in citizenship activities.
• To develop an appreciation of the nature of citizenship and the role of the individual as a citizen.

Teaching and Learning.

• OCR Citizenship is taught within the OCR guidelines.
• Teaching staff aim to develop student’s knowledge and understanding of citizenship.
• Teaching styles will be varied where possible. Teaching and learning will include a combination of teacher led class work, group discussions, role plays, independent student research and study towards OCR and tutor set assessments.
• Full use will be made of visiting/ guest speakers where possible.
• An active learning approach will be encouraged and students will also be able to draw on their own personal experiences.

Planning

The New School has adopted the OCR Entry Level Certificate in Citizenship Studies scheme of work. This has been revised where appropriate.

Assessment and Record Keeping.

· This qualification can be approached in a flexible way in a wide range of different situations. Students can obtain certification for individual units or for the whole qualification. The whole qualification contains four units. The units are equally weighted, each contributes 25% of the total requirements of the award. In order to achieve the full award students must meet all of the stated assessment requirements for each of the four units.

· Units 1 and 4 will be externally assessed by OCR. Candidates will be required to undertake OCR set tasks. The tasks have been designed to test all of the assessment objectives identified in the unit. Students will be provided with an information sheet in advance of undertaking the formal assessment questions so that they may carry out research and develop their knowledge and understanding of the issues. Guidance for tutors will also be provided.

· Units 2 and 3 have been designed to assess practical skills. Students will be required to produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that they have met all of the assessment objectives as required. Assessment will be centre based and all work will be internally assessed. Portfolios of evidence will then be externally moderated by an OCR appointed \examiner – moderator.

· Record keeping will be in line with OCR guidelines.

Inclusion and SEN.

All students will come from differing backgrounds and have different abilities to learning and will have individual and varied experiences to the world we live in. The New School works closely with parents and previous schools to make sure each individual student may reach their full learning potential within our alternative environment.

Safety.

The New School has its own policy regarding health and safety that can be found in company policy documents.

Resources.

Resource materials will be located in the training room. All students have internet access that can aid the learning process. Students will also be encouraged to join a local library to gain access to more varied resources.

This policy was agreed and approved by the TCHA Board of Directors on behalf of Tamworth Cornerstone Housing Association.

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