Empowering Year 7 Pupils to Shape a Connected World
We are delighted to announce the launch of Global Citizenship, an exciting new subject for our Year 7 pupils. The course has been designed to encourage pupils to look beyond their immediate surroundings and begin to understand the wider world, the challenges it faces and the important role they can play within it.
In an increasingly connected world, being a global citizen means understanding that our actions, choices and ideas can have an impact far beyond our local communities. Consequently, Global Citizenship will give pupils the opportunity to explore what it means to live responsibly alongside people from different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives, while developing the knowledge and skills needed to engage thoughtfully with important global issues.
What will Pupil’s learn?
By the end of the course, pupils will have developed a deeper understanding of what it means to be a global citizen. First, they will explore their own identity and consider how our experiences, cultures and backgrounds shape the way we see the world.
In addition, pupils will investigate diversity, human rights and social justice, developing empathy and respect for people whose experiences may be very different from their own. Pupils will listen to different viewpoints through discussion and debate. They will challenge assumptions and form their own informed opinions.
Furthermore, the course will also introduce pupils to some of the major challenges facing our world today, including climate change, poverty and inequality. Teachers will encourage pupils to ask questions, examine evidence and consider possible solutions, instead of simply learning about these issues.
A particularly important part of the course will be the development of critical thinking, discussion and debating skills. Through these activities, pupils will learn to express ideas clearly. They will respectfully challenge others’ views. They will support their arguments with evidence.
Exploring six key themes
We organise the Global Citizenship course around six key themes.
- Identity and diversity: Pupils will explore who they are and what makes individuals and communities unique. Specifically, they will consider culture, identity, belonging and diversity, while developing an appreciation of different perspectives and experiences
- Human rights and social justice: Pupils will be introduced to the idea of universal human rights and explore questions surrounding fairness, equality and social justice. In doing so, they will consider why rights matter and what happens when people do not protect them
- Pupils will explore the causes and consequences of conflict to learn how to resolve disagreements and promote peace. They will develop an understanding that conflict can occur at personal, local, national and international levels
- Globalisation and interdependence: Pupils will discover how closely connected the modern world has become. They will explore how people and events shape our lives, from the foods we eat to the clothes we wear
- Sustainable development: Pupils will investigate some of the environmental and social challenges facing our planet, including climate change and the responsible use of resources. They will consider what sustainable development means and how individuals, communities and governments can contribute to a more sustainable future
- Power and governance: Finally, pupils will explore who makes decisions and how societies are governed. They will consider the role of governments, democratic participation and the ways in which individuals can make their voices heard
From learning to taking action
An important feature of Global Citizenship is encouraging pupils to recognise that their voices matter. Additionally, pupils will discuss issues that matter to them and how they might contribute to their communities.
As a culmination of learning, pupils will write a persuasive letter to their local MP. The letter will address a global or local issue they care about. This will offer an authentic chance to apply their research and critical thinking skills. They will experience democratic participation in action. The pupils will use persuasive writing to craft the letter.
Preparing pupils for the future
Ultimately, Global Citizenship is much more than learning about countries and current affairs. In addition, it helps young people understand their place in an interconnected world and gain confidence to participate.
Overall, we hope that the course will inspire our Year 7 pupils to become curious, compassionate and critical thinkers who are willing to listen, ask questions, challenge injustice and take positive action.
Furthermore, Global Citizenship will encourage pupils to recognise that being a global citizen is more than understanding the world. It is about how we can help make it a better place.