Politics

Subject Introduction

Img 9107ce copyHead of department: James Butler

Politics at Christ's is offered as an A-Level. It is the logical next step for students who have excelled at Citizenship GCSE, but is broadly chosen by students who enjoy humanities, English, current affairs.

We study the Edexcel A-level Politics course which provides students with an understanding of UK government and politics in the first year and global politics in the second, whilst also studying core political ideologies.

It is the course of choice for students who have an interest in political events, debates and current affairs in the UK, EU, USA and internationally.

Politics A-Level is taught by a dedicated subject specialist teacher, Mr Butler.

The Curriculum

In Year 12 students are introduced to the political system in Britain. This includes theories of democracy, types of political participation and understanding of elections and different voting systems. We also examine and evaluate the roles, policies and methods of political organisations and political parties.

The course includes evaluation and debate of the effectiveness of political institutions such as Parliament, the PM, the House of Lords, Cabinet and the judiciary and analyses the state of human rights and civil liberties in the UK. Students will also study voting behaviour in different elections and depth studies of the circumstances and events of 3 different General Elections.

Students learn about the three core political ideologies of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism, and analyse the different traditions and competing viewpoints within each one.

In the A2 year students are introduced to theories of international relations/global politics and explore themes such as globalisation, human rights, the environment, changes in global power. We also critically analyse the roles and importance of international organisations such as the UN, the EU, G-8/20, NATO, the IMF, World Bank and the WTO.

ASSESSMENT

We do not sit the AS Level.

There are 3 A-Level Politics exams, each paper is 2 hours long, worth 84 marks, and contains a mixture of source based and non-source based essays.

Paper 1: UK Politics and core political ideas

Paper 2: UK Government and non-core political ideas

Paper 3: Global Politics

Topics covered

Year 12

Historical context of the UK political system

Government in the UK

  • The Constitution

  • Devolution

  • Parliament

  • The prime minister and executive

  • The Supreme Court

  • The European Union

Political participation in the UK

  • Democracy and political participation

  • Electoral systems

  • Voting behaviour and the role of the media in politics

  • Political parties

Core political ideas

  • Conservatism

  • Liberalism

  • Socialism
     

Year 13

Non-core political ideas

  • Nationalism

  • Multiculturalism

Global Politics

  • The state and globalisation

  • Political and economic global governance

  • Human Rights and Environmental global governance

  • Power and Developments

  • Regionalism and the EU

  • Comparative Theories

Homework

Homework is set via the google classroom and will involve 3 pieces per week, with a mixture of research, pre-reading, evaluations, and essay planning.

Enrichment and Extra-Curricular

We invite a range of guest speakers into the School, students have the opportunity to meet with the local MP following a tour of Parliament and the Supreme Court, and a visit to Europe House in Westminster.

Careers

Government and Politics is a good facilitating course that would suit students considering higher education courses in a wide range of humanities and social sciences, including:

  • Government and Politics
  • Politics/Political Science
  • International Relations
  • History
  • American Politics
  • Economics
  • Geography
  • Sociology

80% of leavers who took Politics A-Level over the past two years have chosen to study Politics, combined Politics honours, or Politics and International Relations at University

Exam Board

2019 will be the first sitting of the reformed linear Politics A-Level. Specification information and sample papers can be found at:

https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/politics-2017.html

Textbook and Revision Resources

Required core text books:

  • UK Government and Politics; Lynch, Fairclough and Cooper
  • Global Politics for A-Level; Murphy, Jefferies, Gadsby
  • Political Ideas for A-Level; Kelly and McNaughton

Non-core text books:

  • The Globalisation of World Politics: Baylis, Smith, Owens
  • Edexcel AS&A-Level Politics: Pearson (Colclough)
  • Global Politics: Heywood
  • UK Government and Politics: McNaughton
  • Essentials of UK Politics: Heywood

Periodicals

  • All students will receive a subscription to Politics Review Quarterly
  • The school library subscribes to The Spectator, New Statesman, The Economist
  • Students of Government and Politics are encouraged to follow a dedicated Twitter feed containing relevant articles, links and information relevant to their studies.
  • 10:15 AM - 21st September, 2023 We're recruiting for a Learning Support Assistant. Visit the school website for more information and the application form. Send completed forms to hr.school. Closing date: 9am, Monday, 2 October 2023 Read more pic.twitter.com/0zTNzX0cOJ
  • 10:11 AM - 21st September, 2023 6th Form Win! Christ’s Sixth Form Football Team beat Grey Court 4-1 in tonight’s league fixture!MoM Gabriel I-S pic.twitter.com/7VRfFV02bw
  • 04:01 PM - 5th September, 2023 If you have not received your invitation link for the new MCAS app, please email info.school pic.twitter.com/unwOzekN2l
  • 01:34 PM - 4th September, 2023 We're looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Christ's School: Year 7 start at 8:30am on Tuesday 5th SeptemberYear 12 start at 10am on Tuesday 5th SeptemberYear 8-11 and Year 13 should return for an 8:30am start on Wednesday 6th September pic.twitter.com/uH8MInAgue
  • 01:02 PM - 24th August, 2023 Christ's School students celebrate GCSE success. Click to find out more: Read more pic.twitter.com/fAYFyGxKCj
  • 01:19 PM - 17th August, 2023 Christ's Students Celebrate Fantastic A Level Results. Click to read more: Read more pic.twitter.com/5OHYXdl3Gf
  • 10:31 AM - 9th August, 2023 A reminder for new year 7 students joining us in September; your homework is to send Mrs Dixon a postcard from whatever you have been doing this summer. We're looking forward to reading about all the interesting places you have been and things you have been doing. pic.twitter.com/9ONrWqGoAa
  • 08:17 AM - 8th August, 2023 Our Year 12 Religious Studies A level Study Day with & St Saviour’s & St Olave’s School. A visit to , home of Borough Food Coop to hear of practical action with roots in Jesus’ love. pic.twitter.com/W0aG8MMyhh
  • 10:44 AM - 27th July, 2023 If you have a child joining us in September or are wanting to refresh a current student's pencil case, please see the equipment list below pic.twitter.com/3AydgSjhIe
  • 04:21 PM - 17th July, 2023 REMINDER tomorrow is Sports Day! All Students to meet at St Mary’s University Track at 08.15am. Wear PE Kit. Bring lunch, snacks, drinks, any medication required, rain jacket and sun protection. Approx finish time 2-2.30pm pic.twitter.com/wdUINAEc39
  • 10:05 AM - 6th July, 2023 Do you know someone who is considering going into teaching, recently graduated or looking for a new job? Why not apply to be a cover supervisor? The role involves covering lessons in a teacher's absence using resources provided by the teacher. Read more pic.twitter.com/NncTLgDXZD
  • 07:21 PM - 4th July, 2023 Reminder that we have two strike days this week. Wednesday 5th and Friday 7th July. School will be closed, and students should log on to Google Classroom for live lessons from any staff who are not striking. pic.twitter.com/6BISGNjJg2