Government and Politics
Government and Politics is always a popular academic choice not only for pupils who prefer to study a full range of humanities or social science subjects but also as a fourth choice to complement a diet of science or mathematics.
Usually approximately 15-20% of Sixth Form pupils take the subject. Pupils follow the OCR route to AS and A2.
Head of Department - Mr Lewis Rattray
Mr Lewis Rattray, MA (Hons), MLitt, PGDE
Miss Jessica Kaye, MSc
Mr Richard Myers, BEd, BA
Mr Darren Tolan, MA, PGDE
Mr Guy Draper, BA PGCE
This course follows the AQA specification. This course 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 pupil with a knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of individuals in order to encourage more informed participation within their society
- Develop a pupil’s capacity for critical thinking
Course content:
1. Contemporary Politics of the UK
Political parties
Pressure Groups
Electoral Systems and Referenda
UK Parliamentary Elections
Voting behaviour in the UK
2. Contemporary Government of the UK
The Constitution
The Executive
The Legislature
The Judiciary
The European Union
3. Contemporary US Government and Politics
Presidential Elections
Political Parties
Pressure Groups
The US Constitution
The Congress
The Presidency
The US Supreme Court
Civil Rights and Liberties
4. US Government and Politics
A comparative module covering US/UK Politics:
Elections
Political Parties and Pressure Groups
Civil Rights and Liberties
Constitutions
Legislatures
Executives
Judiciaries
Recommended Qualifications
No previous study of Government and/or Politics is required. At least a B grade at GCSE in History, English or another arts subject is recommended.
Careers and Higher Education
The study of politics requires a range of skills from oral and written communication to the analysis of complex issues and the evaluation of evidence. Ability in these areas is much in demand in many Higher Education courses and in a wide range of careers.