OCR GCSE Citizenship Studies (9-1) (J270/2016) Past Papers 2026

Citizenship in Perspective

Duration: 50 minutes

Citizenship in Action

Duration: 1h 45m

Our Rights, Our Society, Our World

Duration: 1h

Roles of the executive, legislature and judiciary — separation of powers

In J270/01 2023, only a minority demonstrated confident understanding of all three roles in law-making, and 'under half of candidates demonstrated adequate understanding.' Confusion between who proposes laws (executive), approves laws (legislature) and applies laws (judiciary) appeared in both 2023 and 2024.

J270/01

The purposes and limits of referendums in UK democracy

In 2023, the majority of candidates believed incorrectly that referendums are used as a last resort by indecisive politicians rather than to resolve major constitutional issues. In 2024, fewer than half understood why referendums are rare in a representative democracy.

J270/01

National identity vs community cohesion — distinguishing the two concepts

In J270/03 2023, 'the concept of national identity was less secure for many' and candidates frequently confused it with community cohesion. In 2024, 'some were unclear on the concept of national identity', with British identity mistakenly linked to ethnicity or place of birth.

J270/03

Understanding immigration causes and the proportion going to welfare

Across both J270/01 2023 and 2024, candidates held the misconception that asylum seeking or welfare is the main reason for immigration to the UK. The main reason is employment and study. Examiners attributed this to candidates relying on 'headline media coverage rather than citizenship teaching'.

J270/01

The role of international organisations — distinguishing UN, WHO, NATO, Commonwealth, WTO, Council of Europe

In J270/01 2023, the WTO's role was 'less well understood' than NATO or the Council of Europe. In J270/03 2023, a minority confused WHO with WTO. In 2024, a minority confused NATO membership with the Commonwealth. Precise knowledge of each body's specific purpose is required.

J270/01, J270/03

Applying policy implications to socio-economic data (ageing population, regional inequality, economic trade-offs)

On J270/02 2023 Question 6(b), candidates were asked to recommend government policy from statistical tables. 'Very few were able to go further' than one valid suggestion, with many proposing to lower the retirement age despite equality legislation. Examiners concluded there is 'considerable scope for teachers to help young people to develop their knowledge and understanding' of real decision-making challenges.

J270/02

International Humanitarian Law — principles, enforcement, and specific conflict examples

In J270/03 2024, Section D on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) required knowledge of the Geneva Convention, IHL principles and specific conflicts where IHL was challenged or enforced. Many candidates 'were not as familiar with IHL' and could only produce a 'less convincing response'. High-scoring candidates cited Kosovo as a specific IHL enforcement example.

J270/03

Ideological differences between UK political parties

In J270/02 2023, 'candidates were less successful in identifying a political party or pressure group that would be concerned about laws that control or restrict content', indicating poor knowledge of party ideology. Examiners noted 'Candidates will benefit from a clearer understanding of the ideological differences between the UK's main political parties.'

J270/02