Government and Politics

Course summary

Given the sheer scale of the political changes that have engulfed both the British and American political systems since the banking crisis of 2008 it could be argued that there has never been a more important time to study the political trends that are shaping the lives we lead. Politics is a subject that encompasses aspects of History and Economics and therefore it is multi-faceted. It is a subject that enables pupils to make sense of a rapidly changing world, whether it be Britain’s relations with the EU or the possible implications of Scottish devolution, and to understand the complex politics of what is still the most powerful country in the world – the USA. Above all, it is a subject which, by its very nature, is constantly evolving and provides ample opportunities for pupils to think through and debate their own political ideas. Study trips, for instance to the Houses of Parliament, and visiting speakers, also help to bring the subject alive for pupils. The analytical and evaluative skills required of Politics pupils serve as an excellent preparation for many humanities-based degree courses; especially those such as International Relations and PPE, which have a specific Politics component. The emphasis on extended writing and forthright, reasoned debate helps pupils develop vital intellectual skills that they will need at university and beyond.