Dynamic, discursive, and directly relevant to pupils’ lived experience, the Politics A Level course spans a broad range of topics in UK and US politics, as well as political philosophy.
By following the Edexcel A Level specification, pupils develop an understanding of the constitutions, legislatures, executives and judiciaries of the UK and the US. They appraise political parties, pressure groups and civil rights groups, and are introduced to the ideologies of liberalism, socialism, conservatism, and feminism.
Studying Politics provides pupils with the tools and understanding to look behind the headlines, to analyse contemporary events in the context of what has happened in the past, and to make up their own minds about controversial issues. Pupils will reflect and form judgements on diverse matters ranging from the root causes of political apathy to the effectiveness of civil rights legislation in the United States.
Aims of Politics Department
- To encourage pupils to question established practices and conventions
- To be fully informed about contemporary events around the world
- To analyse opinions with perspicacity and rigour
Because lessons frequently include opportunities for discussing and debating current affairs, pupils studying Politics at A Level must be prepared to keep abreast of current affairs on both sides of the Atlantic, and to read around the subject in their own time; our hope is that learning in this manner will improve their ability to form, substantiate, and defend their opinions, as well as honing their oracy skills.