Politics

Curriculum Intent

The A-level Politics course is purposefully designed to embody and support our college’s mission. Politics is the study of how societies govern themselves, how decisions are made, and how power is distributed. By exploring these mechanisms, our students gain the knowledge necessary to understand their rights and responsibilities, ensuring they feel integrated and belong within society, and developing the analytical skills required to become informed and effective citizens who can be the best they can be.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging and Active Citizenship

A healthy community requires citizens who understand their political system and are empowered to participate. The Politics curriculum provides this essential civic framework.

• Understanding Identity and Representation: The course begins with the UK Government and Politics component, examining the role of Parliament, the Executive, and the Judiciary. Crucially, students study Electoral Systems, Political Parties, and Pressure Groups. This provides clarity on how their votes, voices, and identities are represented—or not represented—in the system, promoting a sense of political efficacy and inclusion.
• Protecting Rights and Freedoms: Students analyse the foundations of the UK Constitution and engage with core political ideas (Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism, Feminism). By debating the arguments for and against individual liberties versus state control, students gain a deep understanding of the rights that protect them and the legal frameworks that foster a secure and diverse community where disagreement can be managed peacefully.
• Promoting Global Awareness: The study of Global Politics introduces students to major challenges facing the international community, such as environmental issues, war, and poverty. By examining the roles of International Organisations (like the UN and WTO) and the dynamics of Global Governance, students develop a crucial sense of global citizenship and recognition of their place in a wider, interconnected world.

Enabling Students to Be the Best They Can Be

Politics is a demanding, high-level academic subject that cultivates the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills necessary for success in competitive fields.

• Developing Advanced Analytical Skills: The curriculum explicitly trains students in synoptic thinking, requiring them to connect complex theories (like those of Hobbes or Mill) to real-world policy outcomes (like tax increases or constitutional reform). Students must master the skill of evidence-based argument, weighing conflicting viewpoints and drawing clear, reasoned conclusions under the pressure of examination.
• Mastering Comparative Judgement: A core strength of the course is the Comparative Politics component, where students examine the US Government and Politics alongside the UK system. This comparison provides a crucial yardstick for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different institutions, challenging cultural assumptions and elevating students’ ability to make informed, nuanced judgements about political effectiveness.
• Cultivating Confidence and Articulation: Success in Politics depends on clear, articulate communication. Students are continuously engaged in debate, presentation, and essay writing, requiring them to defend complex arguments logically and persuasively. This practice builds intellectual confidence and ensures students can articulate their positions clearly and respectfully, a vital skill for leadership and all future professional roles.

In summary, A-level Politics is an investment in developing highly knowledgeable, analytical, and engaged citizens. It equips our students not only to understand the systems of power that govern society but to become active, ethical, and articulate participants in shaping a better, more inclusive future for themselves and their community.