Identifying an Issue, Forming a Team & Initial Research (Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies): Revision Note

You need to choose a real citizenship issue that links clearly to something you have studied on the course

• This could be local, national or global

A good issue is one where change is possible, even if it is small

• For example, lack of recycling facilities at school, low awareness of mental health support or poor access for disabled people in your community

Examiners are looking for issues that involve rights, responsibilities, fairness or democracy

• Avoid topics that are too vague, such as “poverty is bad”, unless you narrow them down

You should be able to explain why the issue matters and who is affected by it

Before choosing your action, you should understand that issues can be addressed in different ways

• For example, through campaigning, raising awareness, volunteering, lobbying decision-makers or providing a service

Governments might use laws or funding, while citizens often use campaigns, petitions or community action

• You should think carefully about which method best suits your issue

  • For example, writing to your local council may suit a local problem, while a social media campaign may suit a national issue

Examiners want to see that your chosen method is realistic and appropriate, not just ambitious

You must work as part of a team of at least two people

Choose team members who are reliable and willing to contribute, as teamwork is assessed

Early on, discuss each person’s strengths, such as organising, speaking, designing posters or researching

Good teams communicate clearly and share responsibility

• This helps later when you explain how collaboration and negotiation were used

Secondary research means using existing information before you collect your own data

• This includes news articles, government reports, charity websites, statistics or school policies

Your research should help you understand the issue properly and prepare strong questions for primary research

Try to use more than one source to show balance

• For example, a charity website and a government source

Make brief notes on what you find and why it is useful, as this will help in the exam

Examiners like to see that your action is informed by evidence, not just personal opinion