Politics

AS

The AS Politics course gives pupils an insight into the way in which politics works in the UK today – looking at democracy, political parties, pressure groups, elections, parliament, the constitution, the Prime Minister and the role of judges. Politics is a subject that is best taught through discussion to develop the pupils' understanding of unfamiliar concepts and therefore discussion and debate are integral to lessons. The subject is essay-based and pupils take two examinations.
 

A2

We teach a course introducing political ideologies at A2. This is very popular with the pupils as the course is accessible but also very stimulating. The course begins by examining the principles of liberalism, which underpin the assumptions behind modern democracy and many of society’s values. We  also look at Marx and the development of socialism.  Pupils go on to study conservatism, anarchism, nationalism, multiculturalism, ecologism and feminism.   This course requires pupils to get to grips with complex but exciting concepts and ideas. Very much like AS, the emphasis is on discussion and debate.  Exam essays are the main way of assessment and pupils need to develop the techniques of analysis and evaluation of arguments to do well.