Government & Politics
The teaching of Politics at Bishops’ centres on debate and analysis, and provides a disciplined training for all humanities courses at university, whilst giving a particular insight into current affairs and political systems.
Intent Statement
Studying A-level Government and Politics provides pupils with an insight into political beliefs central to an understanding of the modern world. It also develops analytical and evaluative skills in relation to interesting topics prevalent in the turbulent political climate of today.
Through the study of government politics, students will be able to acquire knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, both within the United Kingdom and globally. Learners will develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes, whilst developing knowledge and an informed understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics. They will also develop an informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups, promoting their ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgements. Pupils will also develop an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics and develop a life-long inquisitive interest in the political world in which they live.
Curriculum
KS5
In the first year the course focuses on British politics including topics such as democracy and political participation; pressure groups; elections; political parties; the constitution; the judiciary; parliament and the Prime Minster and the cabinet.
In the second year you will have the chance to study US Politics. This involves looking at how the US Constitution works, how the federalism governance model works , the make up of US Congress, whether Congress ‘works’, US presidency and an examination of how powerful the president is, the US Supreme Court and how they affect the lives of US citizens and the impact of civil rights, democracy and participation in US elections.
Visits/Extra Curricular
As part of the course we attend many trips including to the Houses of Parliament, Europe House, Question Time debates and Model United Nation competitions.
Further Information
Politics is a subject which requires up-to-date knowledge and students must be prepared to supplement your knowledge with material from newspapers, journals, television and the internet. This is one subject where watching TV and reading a quality newspaper is a key element of study!
