Academic Politics at Glenalmond College

Numbers studying Politics at Glenalmond are encouraging. Currently 31 pupils in the 6^th Form are studying for their AS and A2 levels. The subject attracts a wide range of pupils; both natural humanities candidates and others for whom an essay-based subject is seen as a welcome contrast to sciences and mathematics.

This course follows the OCR specification. It is designed to:

Develop critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes.
Acquire knowledge and understanding of the political system in the UK.
Imbue the student with a knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of individuals in order to encourage more informed participation within their society.
Develop a student's capacity for critical thinking.

The AS course consists of 2 units:

1. Unit F851 - Contemporary Politics of the U.K.

Political parties

Pressure Groups

Electoral Systems and Referenda

U.K. Parliamentary Elections

Voting behaviour in the U.K.

2. Unit F852 - Contemporary Government of the UK

The Constitution

The Executive

The Legislature

The Judiciary

The European Union

The A2 course consists of 2 modules

1. Unit F853 - Contemporary U.S. Government and Politics

Presidential Elections

Political Parties

Pressure Groups

The U.S. Constitution

The Congress

The Presidency

The U.S. Supreme Court

Civil Rights and Liberties

2. Unit F855 - U.S Government and Politics

A comparative module covering with US/UK Politics:

Elections

Political Parties and Pressure Groups

Civil Rights and Liberties

Constitutions

Legislatures

Executives

Judiciaries

Mr Sandy Norton is Head of Government and Politics. A History and Politics graduate of Stirling University he joined Glenalmond in 1999 after a 25 year career in commerce. His particular areas of interest include the development of democracy in the U.K and U.S. since the 19^th century, and Italian politics.

Periodically visits to Holyrood and Westminster are organised for pupils.