Assessment in citizenship

At key stages 1 and 2 citizenship is part of the joint non-statutory framework for PSHE and citizenship. This framework does not include attainment targets. However, the level descriptions, which accompany the new secondary curriculum for citizenship, may provide a helpful guide to progression and attainment at key stages 1 and 2.

Teachers, in discussion with pupils, will arrive at a rounded judgement by taking into account pupil achievements, strengths and areas for development across a range of contexts and over a period of time.

A single piece of work will not cover all the expectations set out in a level description. It will probably provide partial evidence of attainment in one or two aspects. A number of pieces and types of evidence from a range of contexts will be needed to make a judgement about overall performance. The evidence selected should demonstrate a pupil's:

• knowledge and understanding about becoming an informed citizen

• skills of enquiry and communication

• skills of participation and responsible action.

It is important to establish what prior citizenship learning has taken place and to lay a firm foundation for future citizenship learning.

The following shows what most pupils might be expected to achieve at the end of key stages 1 and 2 in citizenship. The descriptions are based on the joint non-statutory framework for PSHE and citizenship at key stages 1 and 2 .

Key stage 1

By the end of key stage 1, most pupils have knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens. They:

• talk about and consider topics and issues, including moral and social dilemmas with others

• begin to show understanding of simple citizenship concepts, for example right and wrong, fairness and rules

• begin to show understanding of values, for example honesty, tolerance, respect and concern for others.

Most pupils demonstrate skills of enquiry and communication. They:

• respond to simple questions and explain their own views and ideas in pairs and to the class

• listen to the views of others.

Most pupils demonstrate skills of participation and responsible action. They:

• take part in class and school citizenship activities, demonstrating they can work cooperatively and take and share responsibility

• make real choices and know how to ask for help.

Key stage 2

By the end of key stage 2, most pupils have knowledge and understanding about becoming informed citizens. They:

• investigate topical issues and problems using a range of sources provided, including the media, to find answers to simple questions or information and advice

• show understanding of some citizenship concepts, for example rights, responsibilities, rules, right and wrong and fairness

• show understanding of values, for example honesty, tolerance, respect and concern for others.

Most pupils demonstrate skills of enquiry and communication. They:

• take part in simple discussions and debates on topical issues that affect themselves and others

• express their opinions explaining their views

• ask and respond to questions and listen to the view of others

• understand that people may have different views on issues and use imagination to understand other people's experiences.

Most pupils demonstrate skills of participation and responsible action. They:

• take part responsibly in group, class and school citizenship activities such as exploring alternatives and making choices

• meet and talk with different adults from the community, for example nurse, police officer, councillor

• begin to recognise that their actions affect themselves and others around them.