At Key Stage 3 (years 7-9, age 11-14) pupils study:
- the legal and human rights and responsibilities underpinning society, basic aspects of the criminal justice system, and how both relate to young people
- the diversity of national, regional, religious and ethnic identities in the United Kingdom and the need for mutual respect and understanding
- central and local government, the public services they offer and how they are financed, and the opportunities to contribute
- the key characteristics of parliamentary and other forms of government
- the electoral system and the importance of voting
- the work of community-based, national and international voluntary groups
- the importance of resolving conflict fairly
- the significance of the mass media in society
- the world as a global community, and the political, economic, environmental and social implications of this, and the role of the European Union, the Commonwealth and the United Nations
Citizenship Education in the UK also attempts to encourage the necessary skills for a future of active citizenship. To this end, students are taught to:
- think about topical political, spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues, problems and events by analysing information and its sources, including ICT-based sources
- justify orally and in writing a personal opinion about such issues, problems or events
- contribute to group and exploratory class discussions, and take part in debates. Developing skills of participation and responsible action
- use their imagination to consider other people's experiences and be able to think about, express and explain views that are not their own
- negotiate, decide and take part responsibly in both school and community-based activities