The focus in the Lower Sixth is on the contemporary politics and government of the UK and political ideas. Students learn to: Develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics Acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the political institutions and processes of the UK and US, as well as an ability to make links and comparisons with other political systems across the globe Develop their powers of critical thinking Acquire an understanding of, and opinions on, the major political issues facing the UK and the US Develop their ability to communicate effectively on paper and orally Lessons are characterised by lively discussion that often relates current political news stories to the key academic debates within the subject. We study the fundamental concepts, institutions and processes in UK politics, including subjects such as the power of the Prime Minister and whether the executive dominates the other branches of government and amounts to what Lord Hailsham has described as an “elective dictatorship”. Major constitutional reforms, such as the Human Rights Act and its impact on civil liberties and the role of the judiciary, the drawing of judges into the political fray as well as extensive comparisons with the US Supreme Court, are central to the course. The advantages and disadvantages of direct democracy, in the context of the outcome of the EU Referendum, are also studied. The focus in the Upper Sixth is on US politics and comparative politics. Key debates include the critical differences between parliamentary and presidential forms of government and the implications for effective governance. The power of the President is examined in the context of major historical events, such as 9/11 and the coronavirus pandemic. Students will also consider the debates on the nature of democracy in the US and the increasing influence of social media on politics. The significance of the US constitution, as well as the effectiveness of Congress in a hyper-partisan era and the influence of powerful interest groups such as the National Rifle Association on legislators, is studied. The outcome of the 2020 Presidential election and the implications for the role of government signalled by the $1.9trillion American Rescue Plan will be a key focus.
At least a grade 7 should be achieved in each chosen Sixth Form subject.
Three papers at the end of the Upper Sixth: UK Politics, UK Government, US and Comparative Politics.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Cambridgeshire |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £16,554 - £21,183 |
| Address | Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF |
The focus in the Lower Sixth is on the contemporary politics and government of the UK and political ideas. Students learn to: Develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics Acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the political institutions and processes of the UK and US, as well as an ability to make links and comparisons with other political systems across the globe Develop their powers of critical thinking Acquire an understanding of, and opinions on, the major political issues facing the UK and the US Develop their ability to communicate effectively on paper and orally Lessons are characterised by lively discussion that often relates current political news stories to the key academic debates within the subject. We study the fundamental concepts, institutions and processes in UK politics, including subjects such as the power of the Prime Minister and whether the executive dominates the other branches of government and amounts to what Lord Hailsham has described as an “elective dictatorship”. Major constitutional reforms, such as the Human Rights Act and its impact on civil liberties and the role of the judiciary, the drawing of judges into the political fray as well as extensive comparisons with the US Supreme Court, are central to the course. The advantages and disadvantages of direct democracy, in the context of the outcome of the EU Referendum, are also studied. The focus in the Upper Sixth is on US politics and comparative politics. Key debates include the critical differences between parliamentary and presidential forms of government and the implications for effective governance. The power of the President is examined in the context of major historical events, such as 9/11 and the coronavirus pandemic. Students will also consider the debates on the nature of democracy in the US and the increasing influence of social media on politics. The significance of the US constitution, as well as the effectiveness of Congress in a hyper-partisan era and the influence of powerful interest groups such as the National Rifle Association on legislators, is studied. The outcome of the 2020 Presidential election and the implications for the role of government signalled by the $1.9trillion American Rescue Plan will be a key focus.
At least a grade 7 should be achieved in each chosen Sixth Form subject.
Three papers at the end of the Upper Sixth: UK Politics, UK Government, US and Comparative Politics.