Citizenship studies explores concepts of responsible citizenship and challenges students in their knowledge, skills, and understanding of democratic ideals.

Students are taught about democracy, law, criminal justice, and political participation. At Arco, students will also be stretched to engage in discussions on current affairs including human rights, social justice, media and information, climate change, and the economy.

Legal literacy is developed alongside the skills of active citizenship through practical opportunities to address legal issues by examining case studies and application of the law.

Teaching is brought to life by using real and topical issues rooted in local and global contexts.

Students will explore:

• the development of the political system of democratic government in the United Kingdom, including the roles of citizens, Parliament and the monarch.
• the operation of Parliament, including voting and elections, and the role of political parties.
• the precious liberties enjoyed by the citizens of the United Kingdom.
• the nature of rules and laws and the justice system, including the role of the police and the operation of courts and tribunals.
• the roles played by public institutions and voluntary groups in society, and the ways in which citizens work together to improve their communities, including opportunities to participate in school-based activities.
• the functions and uses of money, the importance and practice of budgeting, and managing risk.