The Government and Politics department is the newest and one of the fastest growing departments in the sixth form. The department achieves successful examination results and is staffed by experienced A Level History teachers who feel as passionately about Politics as they do about History! The subject is only taught at A Level, but we have two classes in Year 12 and two in Year 13. In Year 12 the course concentrates not only how the government works but also studies a variety of political issues in the UK, such as voting behaviour and different political ideologies. These areas are then investigated further in Year 13, but by studying the USA instead.
Our aim is to develop in pupils a lasting interest and an enthusiasm for Politics whilst helping them achieve the best grades they are capable of. This is an incredibly interesting and challenging subject, perhaps unlike any other due to its contemporary nature. The departments A Level experience enables us to develop in every pupil the key analytical and evaluative skills necessary in this academic subject, whilst we also ensure that the course is accessible to A Level pupils of all abilities.
We encourage our students to keep up to date with current affairs, by reading a newspaper and watching the news, as well as tuning in to the vast array of politically themed entertainment programmes from Have I Got News for You to the Politics programme. As Politics is such a contemporary subject, pupils are increasingly using the latest technology to keep up to date by watching the growing number of political broadcasts available on YouTube and by accessing political blogs and embracing other new types of social media. Not a day goes by where some politician has twittered something they wish they hadn't!
Politics obviously complements other A Level subjects such as History, English and Geography, in terms of the skills that are developed, but it is also very unique in terms of the content we study. We welcome pupils from any academic background not just the Humanities and many students choose to study Politics because it is so different from their other subjects.
The Politics department aims to create politically minded, responsible citizens, who care deeply about the many issues affecting our daily lives. Pupils are encouraged to think for themselves and everyone’s views are embraced and respected in the many discussions and debates we have. We are a growing and vibrant department and continually strive to help pupils not only enjoy this subject but to achieve their true academic potential.