Government and Politics

Course summary

The Department follows the new (from 2017) Edexcel specification for Government and Politics The course provides a comprehensive grounding in politics and political science debates through an examination of British and American politics and political ideologies. Pupils examine various aspects of British government and politics; not only how the country is organised but also current political issues. Pupils visit parliament and the UK Supreme Court every year in order to see the key branches of government in action. Pupils also study American government and politics, with a focus on developing understanding of the institutions of US government and the issues affecting the US political process. They also study comparative politics, where key similarities and differences between the USA and UK are analysed. Finally, students study the core political ideologies of Conservatism, Socialism and Liberalism along with the key thinkers associated with these ideas. Nationalism is also is also studied as a non-core ideology.