Politics
From Trump to Brexit the political landscape is constantly changing and it has arguably never been more important to be politically well informed.
Teaching uses a range of sources to encourage discussion and debate. Students are also encouraged to learn by doing and taking part in political processes and the schools active Politics Society facilitates this by inviting speakers and providing a forum to discuss current issues.
Politics is a popular option at this level and offers students a wide range of university and career options.
Key Stage 3
N/A – Politics is only delivered as an individual subject at Key Stage 5.
Key Stage 4
N/A – Politics is only delivered as an individual subject at Key Stage 5.
Key Stage 5
In the Lower Sixth the students will cover all of Paper 1 but will also study some aspects of Paper 2 and Paper 3 so that this content is familiar by year 13. The content of Paper 1 includes all aspects of British politics from the institutions of Parliament and the executive to the nature of political parties and elections as well as referendums.
Students are not assumed to have any prior knowledge of Politics but should take a keen interest in current affairs. Students will have the opportunity to visit the Palace of Westminster and the Supreme Court in year 12.
In year 13 students build on their knowledge of the British political system by focusing on a comparative study: the government and politics of the USA. As well as being a colossus in world affairs, the US forms a great contrast to the UK; federal where the UK is unitary, a codified constitution where the UK has none and a unique historical journey including the fight for civil rights and a worrying gun culture.
The Political Ideas paper means the students have a good grounding in political philosophy. This means that as well as developing skills of analysis, interpretation and presenting balanced arguments students also are able to differentiate between key thinkers and their ideas.
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Paper 1 |
Paper 2 |
Paper 3 |
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Government and Politics of the UK
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Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics |
Political Ideas |
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Constitution Parliament Prime Minister The judiciary Devolution |
Democracy Elections Parties Pressure groups The EU |
Constitution Congress President Supreme Court |
Elections Parties Pressure groups Civil rights
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Liberalism Conservatism Socialism Nationalism |
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How it's assessed: Written exam: 2 hours 77 marks 33⅓ % of A-level |
How it's assessed: Written exam: 2 hours 77 marks 33⅓ % of A-level |
How it's assessed: Written exam: 2 hours 77 marks 33⅓ % of A-level |
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Questions: A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions |
Questions: A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions |
Questions: A mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions |
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Exams & Assessment
A Level
Examination Board: AQA
Enrichment & Extra-curricular
- Politics Society is one of the school’s most popular society’s offer open to students from all year groups. It offers the opportunity to discuss and debate as well as hosting a wide range of speakers and panels.
- Opportunity to take part in Model United Nations competitions.
- Optional bi-annual trip to Washington DC
- Annual trip to UK parliament and Supreme Court for all students.