This subject update was originally published on 5 July 2023. We've now added links to the updated specification (version 1.4) and sample assessment materials for GCSE Citizenship Studies J270, see below.

Following the publication of the Department for Education's new content requirements for GCSE Citizenship Studies (J270), we have reviewed our specification.

To reflect the UK's departure from the European Union (EU), we are making the following changes to our GCSE Citizenship Studies specification:

Section 2: Democracy and government

2.1 Democracy, elections and voting in the UK

Following the repeal of the fixed-term parliaments act, learners will now learn that the UK is a representative democracy with a sovereign parliament, not a fixed-term parliament. 

The closed party list system used in European Union elections will be removed from the list of electoral systems used within the UK.

Learners will no longer be required to:

• know the electoral systems and processes for the formation of the European Union
• understand the impact of the electoral system used in European Parliamentary elections on election outcomes for political parties and composition of governments.

Section 3: The UK and the wider world

3.2 The UK and its relations with the wider world

The European Union has been removed from the list of international organisations of which the UK is a member.

Learners will now be asked to:

• learn about the principles underpinning the formation of the European Union
• analyse the benefits and the costs of the UK leaving the European Union
• analyse the impact on the UK of one decision made by the European Union
• evaluate the quality and effectiveness of the current relationship between the UK and the European Union.

You can view and download the updated specification (version 1.4) and the sample assessment materials from the GCSE Citizenship Studies qualification page on our website, and from Teach Cambridge.

The specification content changes will be first assessed in the June 2025 series.

For students being assessed in June 2024, the mark scheme will allow responses in relation to the UK's new and/or previous relationship with the European Union where applicable.

If you have any queries about this update, please call our Customer Support Centre on 01223 553998 or email at support@ocr.org.uk.

Qualification

• Citizenship Studies (9-1) - J270 (from 2016)