Year 8 Citizenship, Philosophy and Ethics

Unit Content

Unit 1

Have conspiracy theorists uncovered the truth? 

Students start the year by exploring a range of conspiracy theories, and considering how to fact-check them. This enables them to then evaluate the accuracy and veracity of news stories, and to reflect on whether fake news is a problem in the modern world. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'conspiracy' and 'fake news' 
  • Knowing a range of conspiracy theories that have been disproved 

Key skills developed:

  • How to evaluate information critically, both online and in the physical world 
  • 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. 

Unit 2

What makes a good community? 

 

In this unit, students reflect on their own identities, and the communities to which they belong. Students then explore what a local community needs to be successful, and how communities can be inclusive of all their members. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'active citizen' and 'volunteer' 
  • Understanding the features of successful local communities 
  • Knowing the benefit of community participation and volunteering 

Key skills developed:

  • How to treat other members of the community respectfully
  • How to evaluate critically the impact of one's actions on others in the community 
  • How to act responsibly within local communities 

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

Unit 3

How have people from the past shaped belief today?

In this unit, students examine the life stories and teachings of the Buddha, Jesus and Confucius. They find out about these individuals' backgrounds and actions, and explore their main ideas. Through this, they reflect on the relevance of these figures to today's society, and on their own role models. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'enlightenment', 'impermanence' and 'sermon' 
  • Knowing key facts about the Buddha, Jesus and Confucius 
  • Understanding the ideas of the Buddha, Jesus and Confucius 

Key skills developed:

  • How to reflect respectfully on others' responses to ultimate questions, such as how to be happy and how to treat others 
  • How to develop one's own responses to ultimate questions 

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

Unit 4

How can we make positive choices?
(Part 1)

In this unit, students learn about the effects of a range of substances, including energy drinks, alcohol and cigarettes. Students additionally practise a range of first aid techniques, and also reflect on the skills needed to manage money successfully. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'nicotine', 'budget' and 'CPR' 
  • Understanding the risks of taking a range of legal and illegal substances, including energy drinks, alcohol and illegal drugs
  • Understanding the types of basic first aid skills that might be needed 
  • Understanding the risks and benefits of financial products, such as loans and credit cards 

Key skills developed:

  • How to administer CPR and use a defibrillator 
  • How to perform basic first aid 
  • How to create a budget 
  • How to respond to peer pressure 

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

Unit 5

What have philosophers argued about how we should behave?

This unit develops students' understanding of philosophy. Students learn about a range of influential thinkers, including Descartes and Bentham, and reflect on the questions that they posed, such as the nature of reality and the definition of happiness.  

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'free choice', 'utilitarianism' and 'thought experiment' 
  • Knowing key facts about the lives of a range of philosophers, including Bentham and Descartes 
  • Understanding the questions posed by a range of thought experiments, such as what it means to be happy 

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 6

How can we make positive choices
(Part 2)?

This unit builds on earlier CPE units on personal relationships and positive choices. Students explore the characteristics of safe, positive and healthy friendships, and consider the warning signs of an unsafe or unhealthy relationship. Students explore strategies for coping with peer pressure, staying safe online and managing anger. 

Key knowledge developed:

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'bullying', 'consent' and 'peer pressure' 
  • Knowing confidently which adults are responsible for safeguarding at Icknield
  • Understanding the characteristics of positive, respectful and healthy relationships, both online and in the physical world 
  • Understanding online risks, such as sharing images 

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 to awareness of bullying  
  • 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 7

Is it possible that a god exists?

 

In this unit, students explore the arguments that have been put forward around the existence, or otherwise, of a god. They explore the ideas of influential thinkers, such as Aquinas, Pascal, Paley and Dawkins, and reflect on their own responses to these. 

Key knowledge developed: 

  • Knowing key vocabulary, such as 'miracle', 'prayer' and 'evolution' 
  • Knowing key facts about a range of philosophers, including Aquinas, Paley and Dawkins 
  • Understanding a range of arguments for and against the existence of a god 

Key skills developed: 

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

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