

Citizenship
Introduction Citizenship is a subject which encourages young people to have a broader understanding of the society they live in and what role they can play within it. It focuses their attention on such themes as Racism, Sectarianism, Diversity, Democracy, Inclusion, to name but a few, with the objective of cultivating an understanding of what makes a good citizen and what is damaging to us all. Citizenship promotes active participation in society and the various learning strategies utilised in its delivery are equally participatory including: group work, discussions, debates, role-plays. Developing key skills is an essential feature of Citizenship classes and students are also encouraged to use ICT and carry out research tasks.	Citizenship Students Visit the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont
Teaching Groups At present Citizenship is taught to year 8 and 9 students for one double lesson per week on a carousel basis with Employability. The first half of each Year 8 class will study Citizenship until January and then rotate with the second half who will have been studying Employability. Citizenship is also taught to Year 11 students through two form periods throughout the entire academic year.
Extra-curricular Events To support learning students have been given the opportunity to participate in a number of extra-curricular programmes organised by outside agencies. To date these have included: Year 9 ‘See Me See You’ (focusing on diversity and identity) Verbal Arts Centre; Year 8, 9 and 11, ‘Intercultural Week’ Film Presentations (racism, culture and diversity) The Nerve Centre; Year 10 ‘Mayor’s Initiative’ Prejudice Face On (reconciliation, mutual understanding) City Council; Year 13 ‘Reach Across’ (diversity, mutual understanding.	The Student Council with Patricia Lewsley, the Northern Ireland Children's Commissioner
The Student Council Every year group from 9 to 11 has its own individual Student Council body. Through elections all the classes in each of these year groups elect Councillors to represent their interests on the Student Council. These Student Councillors gather at Year Group council meetings on a monthly basis to raise issues of concern. To date, these concerns have included: uniform, mobile phones, revision classes, school meals and the raising of funds for various good causes. More on the Student Council....