AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies specification (8100)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies (8100) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
This GCSE Citizenship Studies specification equips students to become active, informed citizens with a deep understanding of democracy, government and law. It encourages learners to participate in society through informed actions and critical thought. Students develop skills to construct reasoned arguments, evaluate evidence, and engage in practical citizenship activities. The course is centred around the question of how citizens can make a difference, helping learners to explore societal structures, legal systems, and political processes while preparing them for responsible civic life and future participation in democratic society:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
3.1 Citizenship skills, processes and methods
- Form hypotheses and create reasoned arguments
- Understand methods used by individuals and organisations to address issues
- Conduct enquiries, organise evidence and express viewpoints
- Plan and evaluate citizenship actions
3.2 Life in modern Britain
- Principles and values underpinning British society
- British identity and diversity
- Role of media and free press in democracy
- UK’s role in international organisations (UN, NATO, EU, etc.)
- Citizen participation and influence through campaigns, groups, and media
3.3 Rights and responsibilities
- Need for laws and principles of justice
- Legal rights, systems and responsibilities
- Development of law: Magna Carta to Human Rights Act
- Rights in conflict situations and international treaties
- Citizen roles: jurors, magistrates, witnesses, campaigners, etc.
3.4 Politics and participation
- UK political power, government, democracy and constitution
- Local and devolved governments and citizen involvement
- Voting systems, elections, parliamentary structure and powers
- Role of political parties and MPs
- Comparison of political systems outside UK
- Forms of political change through action and advocacy
3.5 Active citizenship
- Understanding and evaluating actions by others
- Planning and carrying out citizenship investigation and action
- Researching issues, taking informed action, evaluating impact
- Demonstrating citizenship skills in real-world contexts:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Paper 1
- Sections: Active citizenship and Politics and participation
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
- Includes multiple choice, short answers, source-based and extended responses
- Section A includes investigation-based questions on students’ own action
Paper 2
- Sections: Life in modern Britain and Rights and responsibilities
- Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
- 80 marks, 50% of GCSE
Includes multiple choice, short answers, source-based and extended responses
- Total marks: 160; both components equally weighted
- AO1 (Knowledge): 30%, AO2 (Application): 30%, AO3 (Analysis/Evaluation): 40%
- Assessment is linear; all exams at end of course:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your AQA GCSE Citizenship Studies isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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