Year 7 Citizenship, Philosophy and Ethics

Unit Content

Unit 1

Who matters to us?

Students start by reflecting on how to be aspirational individuals who have high expectations of themselves and effective strategies for achieving their goals. They reflect on personal relationships, exploring the characteristics of positive and healthy friendships, analysing the signs of bullying and abuse, and discussing what is meant by personal space. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary such as 'bullying', 'consent', 'personal space' and 'abuse'
  • Knowing which adults are responsible for safeguarding at Icknield
  • Understanding the characteristics of positive, respectful and healthy relationships 

Key skills developed:

  • How to take practical steps to support or improve relationships with others
  • How to evaluate critically the impact of one's actions on others 
  • How to act responsibly when concerned about bullying or abuse (including verbal, emotional, physical abuse, FGM, and neglect) 
  • How to report concerns to a trusted adult 

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through use of in-class activities, class discussions and through quizzes administered using Microsoft Forms. 

Unit 2 

What are religion, philosophy and ethics? 

This unit explores what is involved in the study of philosophy, ethics and religion. Students explore a range of thought experiments by famous philosophers, including the ring of Gyges and the Ship of Theseus. This enables them to explore their own answers to ultimate questions, such as 'What makes you you?' and 'What does it mean to be good?'. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'thought experiment', 'philosopher' and 'religion' 
  • Understanding the questions posed by a range of thought experiments, such as what it means to be free 
  • Knowing key facts about major world religions 

Key skills developed:

  • How to reflect on the bigger ideas behind a thought experiment 
  • How to discuss ideas respectfully 

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through use of in-class activities, class discussions and through quizzes administered using Microsoft Forms.

Unit 3

How can we become successful entrepreneurs? 

This unit explores what it means to be a successful entrepreneur. Students investigate the characteristics of business people such as Anita Roddick and Richard Branson, and reflect on the skills required to run a business. Students design their own business. Many will later choose to develop this business further by participating in the 10X Challenge. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'entrepreneur', 'budget' and 'logo' 
  • Knowing key skills required to be an entrepreneur 
  • Understanding the components required to create a business, such as a budget, logo and product name  

Key skills developed:

  • How to work as a team 
  • How to budget  

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through use of in-class activities, class discussions and through quizzes administered using Microsoft Forms.

Unit 4

What should we know about Sikhism? 

This unit investigates the Sikh religion. Students explore the Sikh religion and Sikh teachings. They find out about the role of the gurus, and reflect on how people should act in a gurdwara. Students consider the ways in which belief in Sikhism influences Sikhs' daily lives. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'guru', 'gurdwara' and 'langar' 
  • Knowing key facts about Sikhism
  • Understanding the impact of religious belief on Sikh communities today

Key skills developed:

  • How to describe others' beliefs and values 
  • How to discuss one's own beliefs and values  

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through use of in-class activities, class discussions and through quizzes administered using Microsoft Forms.

Unit 5

What is normal?

The unit examines the characteristics of a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise and hygiene. Students additionally explore the changes that happen with puberty, and reflect on the features of good mental health. Students also reflect on strategies to cope with peer pressure. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'mental health', 'puberty' and 'peer pressure' 
  • Knowing confidently which adults are responsible for safeguarding at Icknield
  • Understanding the characteristics of a healthy lifestyle 

Key skills developed:

  • How to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle 
  • How to talk about emotions 
  • How to report concerns to a trusted adult 

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through use of in-class activities, class discussions and through quizzes administered using Microsoft Forms.

Unit 6

What are our rights?

This unit explores rights and responsibilities. Students learn about human rights, and how significant figures, such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Malala Yousafzai, have fought for these rights. Students also develop their debating skills.

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'human right', 'discrimination' and 'persecution' 
  • Understanding the history of civil rights movements around the globe 

Key skills developed:

  • How to reflect respectfully on others' views 
  • How to explain one's own views 

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through use of in-class activities, class discussions and through quizzes administered using Microsoft Forms.

Unit 7

How can we be a successful media navigator?

This unit develops students' ability to critique a range of media, including adverts and social media. Student reflect on how unrealistic portrayals in the media can be, and the impact that this can have. Students also consider what constitutes cyberbullying, and how to respond to such bullying.

Key knowledge developed: 

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'stereotype', 'advertising' and 'personal space' 
  • Knowing different types of media 
  • Understanding the characteristics of online and physical worlds 

Key skills developed: 

  • How to recognise differences between the online and physical worlds 
  • How to behave appropriately in the online and physical worlds 
  • How to be a discerning consumer of information online

Assessment: Learning is assessed formatively through use of in-class activities, class discussions and through quizzes administered using Microsoft Forms.