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Politics as a subject involves reading and discussing issues that revolve around how the UK government works and studying the processes of democracy that operate here at home, whilst comparing the institutions and ideas that are found in the USA too. We will also look at the ideological origins of our politics and study the ideas surrounding feminism from the suffragettes to the present day. We will prepare you for the skills of analysis and evaluation that will equip you for the examinations and further humanities work in the future should you want to go further. Politics encourages a wide range of enrichment and individual support too. We use further extension work to suit individual needs, reading articles/ chapters and discussing them in a smaller group, discussing issues in our lively Politics Society every week. We also support Oxbridge applicants and provide extra academic/study skills to assist everyone who studies Politics A Level to ensure that they reach their full potential.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and Mathematics.
There are 2 pathways to choose from in the second year. Year 1 (Both pathways follow the same topics)Component 1 – UK Politics (Democracy; Participation; Elections; Pressure Groups; Political Parties; 3 General Elections and their outcomes; Voter behaviour and the media in the UK) together with three Core political ideas – Liberalism, Conservatism, SocialismComponent 2 – UK Government (Parliament; the Prime minister and Cabinet; the EU; the UK Supreme Court and the Judiciary; the UK Constitution) together with a non-core idea – FeminismYear 2ROUTE A – UK Government & Politics and The Politics of the USA Component 3 – Comparative UK/USA Politics – the Government and Politics of the USA (US Constitution and Federalism; Pressure Groups; Political Parties; Presidential and Congressional Elections; US Congress; US Presidency; US Supreme Court; Comparative theories)The USA has been considered by some to be a ‘beacon of democracy’. As a world power, understanding the nature of US democracy, and the debates surrounding it, is crucial given the considerable impact that the USA has on UK, European and global politics.You will explore the US Constitution and the arguments surrounding this guiding document of US democracy. In learning about the key institutions of government in the USA and analysing the way they achieve this power and exercise it over their citizens, you will judge, ultimately, whether ‘liberty and justice for all’ has been achieved in the USA.You will be expected to highlight the debates on the nature of democracy in the USA and evaluate the extent to which it remains an issue. The impact of the US government on the world beyond its borders is increasingly a feature of international politics.You will begin to engage with this interaction by comparing politics and institutions in the US with those in the UK. This will develop in you a wider understanding of politics as a discipline, underpinned by the theoretical concepts of comparative politics.ROUTE B – UK Government & Politics and Global PoliticsComponent 3 – Global Politics (The state and globalisation; Global governance: political and economic; Global governance: human rights and environmental; Power and developments; Regionalism and the European Union; Comparative theories)We live in a complex world with significant challenges, including global terrorism, poverty, economic instability, weapons proliferation, failing states and environmental degradation. These challenges require global co-operation if they are to be resolved. Global politics gives you an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity. It also gives you the opportunity to explore the political issues that affect all of us.You will gain understanding of abstract political concepts through grounding them in contemporary real-world examples and case studies that will develop an international awareness and knowledge of multiple perspectives.Global politics encourages discussion and debate and requires you to study and present different global perspectives, as well as interpreting competing and contestable claims. The key mainstream perspectives on global politics are liberalism and realism, and you will be expected to understand how these perspectives are applied throughout all elements of the global politics content.
We enjoy teaching in a forum where you will be seated in groups of 3 or 4; this promotes confidence and encourages speaking between learners. The teacher introduces and explains the topic and individual work is completed and checked by peers and the teacher throughout the lessons. The use of technology via Google Classroom is central to lesson work and home learning tasks – the key to being an independent and organised student in this subject. All resources are accessible online therefore there is no need to purchase books unless you want to!
Assessment is by three exams at the end of the two-year course.
You can enter a wide range of future professions and careers, for example, Higher Education courses in the humanities (including Oxbridge), careers in publishing, teaching, research, political research, analytics, translation work in international politics, journalism, Higher Education teaching and many others.
We have a liaison with the University of Winchester and regularly enjoy visits from staff who talk with our students about current issues in United States politics.
