Politics

Curriculum Intent

John Adams, the second President of the United States (1797-1801) and Vice President to George Washington (1789-1797) once said:

I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy.

In an age of misinformation and polarisation, our Politics curriculum helps students to form a well-balanced and highly informed understanding of the world in which they live. Students will learn to scrutinise political processes and structures in detail. They will develop the skills of critical source evaluation. Through regular discussion and debate, Politics students have the opportunity to develop, articulate and defend their political opinions. Alongside this they will listen to, understand, and appreciate the different views of others. They will form the habit of always asking critical questions of the information they receive. Our curriculum and teaching aims to produce politically aware, informed and engaged citizens who understand and promote the importance of democracy.

John Adams, the second President of the United States (1797-1801) and Vice President to George Washington (1789-1797) once said; ‘I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy’.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum

Course Code: A Level Politics Edexcel 9PLO
Exam Board: Edexcel http://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/politics-2017.html

We aim to create thinkers, analysts and communicators. A’ level Politics will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be able to understand the ever-changing world around us, and to be able to communicate analysis of current events. Students will gain an understanding of power and influence in the 21st century and to appreciate how decisions are made that affect our lives. Our Politics curriculum supports the ethos of the school, as students are constantly challenged to think respectfully when engaging in debates in class. Kindness and tolerance are always exhibited in lessons, which allows students to express themselves in a confident manner. Students also engage in politics through a visit to the Houses of Parliament and by meeting our local Member of Parliament.

With enthusiasm and an open mind, students will develop critical thinking and debating skills, learning how to look at arguments with an empathetic but level-headed view. Students will gain social knowledge as well as an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues, in their historical context both in the UK and globally.

Our programme of study intends to do the following for students:

• Enable students to understand how the country is run;
• Develop their interest in, and enthusiasm for Politics, to include an understanding of its intrinsic value and significance;
• Help students to build their own well substantiated opinions through research, written communication and debating skills;
• Develop as effective and independent learners and as critical and reflective thinkers with curious and enquiring minds;
• Develop the ability to ask relevant and significant questions and to research them;
• Acquire an understanding of the nature of political study, with a concern for judgements based on available evidence;
• Develop their use and understanding of political terms, concepts and skills;
• Prepare students for further study.