View example
2025 Pearson Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Paper 1 and Mark Scheme Combined (1CS0/01)
Paper 1 is the first written examination of the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Citizenship Studies qualification (1CS0/01). It assesses students’ understanding of diversity, rights, responsibilities, and the social and political structures that affect everyday life.
This paper complements Paper 2 (1CS0/02) and forms 50% of the total GCSE Citizenship grade.
Paper 1 focuses on the following areas:
Understanding equality, diversity, and inclusion
Identifying social and cultural differences in the UK
Exploring the impact of discrimination and how to challenge it
Individual rights and freedoms
Responsibilities towards others in the community
Legal and civic frameworks supporting equality and justice
Understanding how citizens can influence change
Local and national initiatives promoting social cohesion
Exploring case studies of campaigns or projects in society
Applying concepts to real-life examples
Analysing scenarios involving social and community issues
Making reasoned judgements about societal challenges
Multiple-choice questions to assess knowledge and understanding
Short-answer questions requiring explanation and application
Scenario-based and extended-response questions assessing analysis, evaluation, and judgement
The paper evaluates the following skills:
AO1 – Knowledge and understanding of key citizenship concepts
AO2 – Application of knowledge to everyday situations and scenarios
AO3 – Analysis and evaluation of social and civic issues
The combined question paper + mark scheme includes:
Correct answers and guidance for multiple-choice and short-answer questions
Model responses for extended and scenario-based questions
Allocation of marks for knowledge, application, and evaluation
Examiner notes for consistent and fair marking
The mark scheme emphasizes clear reasoning, accurate use of citizenship terminology, and evidence-based answers.
| Author | Proficient Academic Tutor |
| Published | 09 Dec 2025 |
| Included files | |