STUDENTS have received top results in a new qualification designed to promote citizenship.
Bishop Auckland College introduced an AS qualification in Social Science, Citizenship last year, which teaches students about the role of the public in voluntary work, local government and the legal system.
Course tutor Stephen Lambert said: "The Government are very keen to see citizenship education expanded and are making citizenship compulsory for 11 to 16-year-olds as of next year.
"This course tries to get students familiar with political institutions and processes. A key issue at the moment is the abysmal turnout in local elections. Among 18 to 25-year-olds, only about three out of ten voted."
All five students who studied for the qualification achieved above average results. Andrea Davies, 18, from Crook, Leanne Walton, 18 from Coundon, and Lauren Gates, 18, from Barnard Castle, achieved A grades. Elaine Gilyeat, 19, from Newton Aycliffe, was awarded a B grade.
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