Politics

This includes looking at:

• The impact of an ageing population
• The growing gap between rich and poor
• The development of nationalism
• The changes caused by immigration
• The implications of economic change

In Politics in Sixth Form, we look at all these pressures in our society and how politicians are responding to them.

A Level Politics

Politics is about institutions. Our country is run by a number of institutions; Parliament, Local Government, the Civil Service and increasingly, the institutions of Europe.

During A Level Politics we ask:

• How do these institutions work?
• What recent changes have there been?
• Is reform needed?
• What does local government do?
• What are the implications of a Scottish Parliament?
• What are the implications of a Welsh Assembly?
• Does Britain have a future in the European Union?
• How will Europe affect the way decisions are made?

These questions matter to us all because they affect the way we are governed. In Politics we try to answer them.

Politics in the United Kingdom

In the Government and Politics module we look at how the United Kingdom has evolved and what its future might be. In many ways this country is not united. We look at the differences that exist.

Politics is about Power. At A Level we ask:

• Who has power?
• How do they get it?
• How do they use it?
• How can the abuse of power be stopped?

One complaint that many people have is that they do not really have a say in the governing of Britain. We examine where the power lies, and how the ordinary citizen can exercise power and influence over politicians.

Politics is about issues. At A Level we consider: 

• What the political parties stand for
• How the economy should be best managed
• The future of the Welfare State
• Race relations

In Politics we look at the challenges which have arisen in these areas and the way in which our politicians have responded to them.

Study methods include: lectures, discussions, written notes and worksheets, presentations, independent study, essays. There is no requirement to have studied Politics or History at GCSE prior to starting A Level Politics.

Year 12 topics

UK Politics:
This introduces the ideas of citizenship and democracy. We look at the ways in which people can participate in politics through political parties and pressure groups.

The optional ideology is Feminism

Governing the UK:
We consider the making of and implementation of laws with particular reference to Parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Judiciary.

Ideologies: Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism – this will continue into Year 13

Year 13 topics

Comparative Politics – The USA

We study: the US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation, and comparative theories.

Politics can fit with many combinations of A Level subjects. Subjects such as History, Business Studies and Geography can enhance understanding and the development of skills. Those studying Politics A Level alongside Modern Languages will note that the examination of European issues is a common theme.

Politics requires clear logical and analytical thinking which could also appeal to students learning Mathematics or Science subjects.

Co-curricular Activities:

• Annual visit to Downing Street
• Guest speakers in recent years have included: Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband, Dee Davison, John Bercow, Louise Haigh, and Amjad Bashir MEP. Subject Prefects have the opportunity to be involved in a range of activities and events to showcase the subject and inspire our younger learners
• Day trips and residentials to cities and sites around the UK provide historical context and real-world examples to support classroom theory
• Politics students often participate in debating, philosophy and history clubs and events