Guidance

Citizenship studies: grade descriptors for GCSEs graded 9 to 1

Updated 6 September 2017

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1. Grade 8

1.1 To achieve grade 8 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate and apply relevant and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of citizenship concepts, terms and issues
  • construct perceptive and convincing arguments that consider a variety of viewpoints and reach well-substantiated conclusions
  • develop ambitious research enquiries that lead to a strong, evidence-based analysis of citizenship issues
  • critically evaluate the outcomes of effective participation in citizenship action

2. Grade 5

2.1 To achieve grade 5 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate and apply mostly accurate and appropriate knowledge and understanding of a range of relevant aspects of citizenship concepts, terms and issues
  • construct reasoned arguments that consider some differing viewpoints to draw evidence-based conclusions
  • develop credible research enquiries that lead to an evidence-based analysis of citizenship issues
  • evaluate the outcomes of participation in citizenship action

3. Grade 2

3.1 To achieve grade 2 candidates will be able to:

  • demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of some aspects of citizenship concepts, terms and issues
  • produce a basic line of reasoning that demonstrates some awareness of differing viewpoints to reach a judgement, with limited reference to evidence
  • develop basic research enquiries that lead to a straightforward consideration of citizenship issues
  • reflect on some of the outcomes of participation in citizenship action
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