Politics

Autumn Year 12: We start with UK Politics, which covers concepts like democracy, political participation, voting systems, political parties, pressure groups, election campaigns and the trends in the voting behaviour of the electorate. This gives students a basis for exploring the current issues in the UK’s politics: Example Question: ‘Evaluate the view that the UK’s democracy is in crisis’.

Spring Year 12: We look at the workings of UK Government, which builds on the knowledge of the Autumn term by exploring the UK’s constitution and civil liberties, the workings of Parliament, the power of Prime Ministers, the relationship with the Devolved Regions of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and the increasing role of the Supreme Court. It also explores the UK’s complex relationship (now academic!) with the EU. This allows students to assess where power truly lies in the British political system and explore the case for further reform. (Example Question: ‘Evaluate that prime ministers have become increasingly presidential since 1979’).

Summer Year 12: We finish the first year by studying the Core Political Ideologies of Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism. This takes students to the key ideas which inspire and inform all political issues today. They will examine the works of key political thinkers (Including Locke, Marx, Rawls and Rand). This unit stretches students to consider the view taken by the different ideologies on human nature, society, the role of the state and the economy. It also explores the tensions between ideologies. We also study a Non-Core Ideology: Nationalism. (Example Question: ‘To what extent do socialists agree with achieving equality of outcome?).

Autumn – Spring Year 13: In the final year we study the Politics and Government of the USA. This provides a nice contrast to the UK and allows students to draw comparisons between two democratic systems. Students start by gaining an understanding of the Constitution and how it shapes all aspects of US political life. They then move to cover the topics of democracy and elections, parties, Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court and Civil Rights. (Example Question: ‘Evaluate the view that money is the most important factors for a successful presidential campaign’)