CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work Unit 1: Local and Global Citizenship overview

What this unit demands

Unit 1, Local and Global Citizenship, is one of the three taught units of CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work, each examined by a written paper worth 20 percent of the GCSE, alongside a controlled assessment investigation worth 40 percent. This unit is about how a fair, diverse society works, from the local community to the wider world. This page ties the dot-point pages together.

The big ideas of Unit 1

The unit moves from difference within a society to how that society is governed and how it connects to the world.

• Diversity and inclusion. A diverse society contains many groups; an inclusive one makes sure they can all take part. The two are not the same.
• Prejudice, discrimination and equality. Prejudice is an attitude; discrimination is the unfair action that follows. Sectarianism and racism are covered even-handedly, alongside ways to promote equality.
• Human rights and social responsibility. Rights belong to everyone, set out in documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and they are balanced by responsibilities to others.
• Democratic institutions and government. Decisions are made at local, devolved, national and international levels, each with its own responsibilities.
• Active participation. Citizens influence decisions through voting, pressure groups, petitions, consultations and NGOs.
• Global issues and interdependence. The world is connected, so issues such as poverty, conflict and climate change cross borders and are tackled by international organisations and NGOs.

Assessment structure

CCEA GCSE Learning for Life and Work is examined by three written papers, one per taught unit, each worth 20 percent, plus a 40 percent controlled assessment.

• Unit 1 written paper - Local and Global Citizenship, the content on this page.
• Unit 2 written paper - Personal Development.
• Unit 3 written paper - Employability.
• Unit 4 controlled assessment - an investigation worth 40 percent, drawing on the taught units.

How to study Unit 1

Citizenship rewards precise definitions, balanced judgement and developed explanation.

1. Learn the key distinctions. Diversity versus inclusion, prejudice versus discrimination, declaration versus enforceable law.
2. Match powers to levels. Know which responsibilities sit with councils, the Assembly, Westminster and international bodies.
3. Develop, do not list. Name a factor, cause or method, then explain the difference it makes.
4. Stay neutral. Present Northern Ireland's communities and institutions even-handedly.
5. Link rights to responsibilities. Every right carries a duty, because one person's rights must not destroy another's.

The dot points

Each idea above has its own dot-point page with worked answers and cross-links, plus this unit's quiz. Browse the full set at /ccea-gcse/learning-for-life-and-work/syllabus.

Check your knowledge

A mix of recall questions covering the whole unit. Attempt them, then check the solutions.

1. What is the difference between diversity and inclusion? (2 marks)
2. What is the difference between prejudice and discrimination? (2 marks)
3. Name two human rights documents. (2 marks)
4. Give one right and the responsibility that goes with it. (2 marks)
5. Which level of government runs health and education in Northern Ireland? (1 mark)
6. Name two ways, other than voting, to influence decisions. (2 marks)
7. What does interdependence mean? (1 mark)
8. Give two global issues that cross borders. (2 marks)