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The A level syllabus is intended to provide students with a clear incentive to:
- Develop an interest in the world around them, to learn more about the society they live in, how it work and how it could work
- Enjoy debate, discussion and argument, understanding that in politics there are no simple “rights or wrongs”
- Relish the opportunity to think for themselves, to develop their own views and question more established opinions.
Edexcel Syllabus
Unit 1 - People and Politics in the UK
This unit introduces students to the study of politics by examining the key ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation. We study the role of political parties, the different types of UK electoral systems and the importance of Pressure Groups.
Unit 2 - Governing the UK
This unit provides an introduction to the major institutions of the UK government. We examine the nature of the UK constitution and the role and significance of Parliament.
Students assess the power of the Prime Minister and investigate the changing function of the Cabinet. This unit also considers how judges can deliver justice and defend freedom.
Unit 3 Representation in the USA
This unit examines the representative processes of the US political system. We study how Americans elect their President and evaluate the adequacy of the Primaries, the National Party Conventions and the Electoral College. The ideologies of the major political parties are considered, as well as the distribution of power within those parties. Students investigate the range of Pressure Groups which operate in the USA and consider their impact on democracy. Finally, the key issue of racial diversity and its role in American politics is also examined.
Unit 4 - Governing the USA
Students must investigate the three main branches of US government. They begin by studying the US Constitution and the fundamental principle of Separation of Powers. Then they study the work of Congress and consider how effectively it performs its role. The power of the US President is carefully assessed. They also study the Supreme Court and evaluate its significance in the political process. The relationship between the federal and state governments is also examined in this unit
Departmental Activities
Westminster
Students have the opportunity to visit Parliament during the academic year. Recently they participated in a three- hour debate on Stem Cell research with fellow sixth-formers in the Palace of Westminster. This was a rare opportunity to participate in public speaking in such an historic setting and the girls relished every moment. The day ended with their attendance at a debate in the Chamber of the House of Commons.
Politics students after their Westminster debate in 2007
EU Conference 2008
In January 2008 a group of 20 Lower sixth students travelled to an EU conference in London. This visit was organised by the Politics department and was preceded by a number of preparatory sessions in school.
The main focus of the conference was the new EU Reform Treaty. Two key speakers were Tony Benn and Kenneth Clarke. Mr. Benn was passionate about the role of democracy and the dangers of the new commitments to the EU which this treaty posed. Mr. Clarke spoke eloquently in favour of the treaty and argued that many of the fears about the treaty were unfounded.
USA 2008
At the beginning of the Easter holiday, 2007, a group of History and Politics students travelled to the USA, visiting New York, Philadelphia and Washington. They were able to visit key places which were relevant to both A level courses.
After three exhausting but exhilarating days in New York, the Politics students were delighted to visit Philadelphia, birthplace of the US constitution in 1787.
We managed to get the team photo outside the Capitol building, managed to eat in the Congress cafeteria where we undoubtedly shared food and facilities with American Congressman and, possibly, Senators, and also visited the Supreme Court.
The grandeur of the Court reinforced its importance in the political life of the US. We also had a wonderful mellow evening sitting by the Lincoln memorial watching fireworks – and/or chatting to young Americans, funnily enough, mostly male. We also had a more sombre visit to the Vietnam War memorial and Arlington Cemetery.
The Jefferson Memorial was also quite inspiring – several key statements were inscribed on its walls, including the opening sentences of the Declaration of Independence.
The Americans clearly treasure these early documents and they assumed a new significance for us after this visit.
Politics students in Washington D.C. April 2008
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