Government and Politics

Course summary

The Politics course helps pupils to develop knowledge and understanding of the role politics plays in relation to current local, national, and global issues, as well as studying key thinkers and political ideas. Pupils are able to visit the Westminster Parliament and the US Congress to enhance their understanding of the political systems. This course encourages pupils to develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics locally, nationally and globally. Pupils acquire knowledge of the political structures in the UK and the USA as well as potential changes to them. They consider and debate various issues including what constitutes a democracy, the rights and responsibilities of citizens today and the effects of increased national security on freedoms, as well as exploring the three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. Pupils need to be interested in gaining an understanding of what is happening in the world and to be ready and willing to consider other points of view both in debate and in their writing. They learn the valuable skill of being able to present arguments in a balanced and an articulate way.