Government and Politics

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.