The political landscape has never been more unpredictable than at present with old assumptions and institutions under challenge from the rise of populism with its profound consequences both in the UK and the USA. Politics should appeal to anyone interested in the structures of authority and power within British society and the USA. The course provides pupils with a clear understanding of the theories, motives and values that underpin political processes and governmental decision-making. It also examines the role of key institutions in the UK and the US exploring how they resolve conflicts, allocate limited resources and respond to changing political behaviour. In addition, pupils will explore the key ideologies which have shaped the polity of the UK and the USA and the key thinkers who have developed political thought and discourse in the areas of conservatism, liberalism, socialism and feminism. During the course, Pupils will learn to analyse rhetoric, weigh evidence against opinion and understand how people’s lives as citizens are affected by political activity. We aim to develop a critical awareness of political events and issues and an empathetic understanding of the main political viewpoints as well as study the key ideologies which have helped to shape the world we live in. Through essay writing and documentary analysis, you will develop the skills required to argue a case with relevance and coherence: valuable assets in a wide range of professional managerial and business fields. In short, this course is both an academic discipline and a preparation for effective participation in society.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 6 in GCSE History or Geography and Grade 6 English Language.
The A-level course comprises three modules: each equally weighted and assessed by a written examination. Component 1: UK Politics & Core Political Ideas This unit introduces pupils to the study of politics by looking at the central ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation by examining the role and development of Parties, Pressure Groups, the Electoral System and Referendums. Pupils will learn about the traditional political ideas of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism, how they apply in practice to human nature, the state, society and the economy, the divisions within each idea and their key thinkers. Component 2: UK Government & Non-core Political Ideas This unit examines the functioning of the Constitution, the role and significance of Parliament, the power of the executive and the effectiveness of the courts in protecting civil liberties. Pupils will learn about the political idea of Feminism, its core ideas and principles, the divisions and key thinkers. Component 3: The USA & Comparative Politics This module involves a study of the US Constitution and federalism, Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court. In addition, issues of civil rights, democracy and participation are covered. The comparative element examines rational, cultural and structural approaches to explaining similarities and differences in the government and politics of different countries with a comparison of the main features of the UK and US systems.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Barnet |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £36,795 - £43,590 |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,800 |
| Address | The Ridgeway, Mill Hill Village, London, NW7 1QS |
The political landscape has never been more unpredictable than at present with old assumptions and institutions under challenge from the rise of populism with its profound consequences both in the UK and the USA. Politics should appeal to anyone interested in the structures of authority and power within British society and the USA. The course provides pupils with a clear understanding of the theories, motives and values that underpin political processes and governmental decision-making. It also examines the role of key institutions in the UK and the US exploring how they resolve conflicts, allocate limited resources and respond to changing political behaviour. In addition, pupils will explore the key ideologies which have shaped the polity of the UK and the USA and the key thinkers who have developed political thought and discourse in the areas of conservatism, liberalism, socialism and feminism. During the course, Pupils will learn to analyse rhetoric, weigh evidence against opinion and understand how people’s lives as citizens are affected by political activity. We aim to develop a critical awareness of political events and issues and an empathetic understanding of the main political viewpoints as well as study the key ideologies which have helped to shape the world we live in. Through essay writing and documentary analysis, you will develop the skills required to argue a case with relevance and coherence: valuable assets in a wide range of professional managerial and business fields. In short, this course is both an academic discipline and a preparation for effective participation in society.
Sixth Form candidates are encouraged to apply in the Autumn Term of the year preceding entry and are generally required to have a minimum of two 7 and three 6 grades at GCSE, and a minimum of grade 5 in Mathematics and English, with some subject-specific requirements, as listed in our Sixth Form Curriculum Guide. In addition to the ‘traditional’ A Level offer, in September 2023, the School introduced BTEC in Sport. This pathway was open to elite performers who are linked with our Saracens Partnership. Grade 6 in GCSE History or Geography and Grade 6 English Language.
The A-level course comprises three modules: each equally weighted and assessed by a written examination. Component 1: UK Politics & Core Political Ideas This unit introduces pupils to the study of politics by looking at the central ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation by examining the role and development of Parties, Pressure Groups, the Electoral System and Referendums. Pupils will learn about the traditional political ideas of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism, how they apply in practice to human nature, the state, society and the economy, the divisions within each idea and their key thinkers. Component 2: UK Government & Non-core Political Ideas This unit examines the functioning of the Constitution, the role and significance of Parliament, the power of the executive and the effectiveness of the courts in protecting civil liberties. Pupils will learn about the political idea of Feminism, its core ideas and principles, the divisions and key thinkers. Component 3: The USA & Comparative Politics This module involves a study of the US Constitution and federalism, Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court. In addition, issues of civil rights, democracy and participation are covered. The comparative element examines rational, cultural and structural approaches to explaining similarities and differences in the government and politics of different countries with a comparison of the main features of the UK and US systems.