Course information
Government and Politics
Cheltenham College - Gloucestershire
01242265600
Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7LD
Course summary

The political world does not stand still and neither does the teaching of it: the Politics department aims to deepen knowledge and understanding of the most powerful forces operating on people, communities and corporations today. As a subject, it is current, accessible and ever-changing. The course covers the study of governments, international relations, institutions and decision-making processes in the UK and USA. It is a fantastic way to learn what shapes our world. The Politics department at Cheltenham College is a vibrant place to be. We have an active society, the Morley Society, which runs jointly with the History department. Furthermore, in recent years, pupils have visited Parliament, interviewed our local MP, campaigned on behalf of parliamentary candidates in Cheltenham, hosted an American diplomat and questioned former Members of Congress. Pupils of politics require an active mind and an eagerness to engage in debate and arguments both written and spoken. A passion for modern history, political philosophy and current affairs is essential. Moreover, pupils should be keen to participate as citizens within a modern liberal democracy. Employers value the range of skills acquired by pupils of politics, particularly research skills, the ability to analyse evidence and the capacity to communicate ideas persuasively.

Entry requirements

In general, the minimum requirement for pursuing a subject at A Level is a Grade 6 or B at GCSE, either in the subject itself or in a closely related one.

How you'll be assessed

At the end of the Upper Sixth, there is an assessment via three separate papers. The first paper is on UK politics and the second is on the UK government. Both UK papers require two written persuasive essays on the core content and a third evaluative essay on political ideas. When writing the first essay, arguments are found in an extended source. The third paper is about the US government and politics. In this paper, assessment is first completed by comparing US and UK politics in two short essays. There are then two persuasive essays on the government and politics of the USA.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth West
Local AuthorityGloucestershire
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeDay £33,990 - £35,190; Boarding £45,300 - £46,500
Sixth Form FeeUnknown
AddressBath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7LD