Politics

Paper 1 UK Government and Politics

This module looks at the theory and practice of democracy. It examines the various systems that can be used to carry out elections. It explains the problems of the first past the post system and considers the effectiveness of the alternatives. The module goes on to look at how people become involved in Politics at a deeper level, through political parties and pressure groups. We look at how such organisations work and the role they play. Why do people scale the wall of Buckingham Palace dressed as superheroes? What do the political parties stand for?

We also examine political institutions and structures: the apex of power in the UK. This unit examines the workings of the constitution and the different parts of the machinery of Government, particularly how laws are made and implemented. We examine the different levels of governing institutions, such as local/regional assemblies and contrast them with Parliamentary and European approaches. We assess the function of the Prime Minister, Cabinet and the Civil Service. In addition, candidates will be asked to keep their own political passport of the year. It will be expected that they keep up to date with current affairs and take an interest in news items relevant to the course.

Paper 2 US and Comparative Government and Politics

Is America the “Land of the Free”? We investigate how effectively the electoral process and direct democracy work to represent the people. To what extent does money do the talking? We also examine the political parties and the attitudes and values of the enormously diverse American nation, from the liberal margins of California and New York to the traditional Mid-West and the southern Bible Belt. This module offers an insight into what makes a fascinating and unique country tick.

We look at the constitutional framework and how well the theory translates into reality. How effective is Congress? Is the Presidency Imperial or Imperilled? What does the Supreme Court do? How are the rights of citizens protected? The Civil Rights of America is also studied in depth and contextualised within a nation of diverse ethnicity, and entrenched constitutional rights such as the freedom to assemble and the freedom of speech. The structures and main issues of American politics are then explored and contrasted with that of the UK, in a comparative section of the examination.

Paper 3 Ideologies

The study of British Politics is very much enhanced through the examination of three key political ideological movements: Socialism, Liberalism and Conservatism. Key ideological positions on issues such as the state, society, the economy and the notion of human nature will be explored. Tensions both between and within these ideological movements will be analysed and key thinkers studied: from Mary Wolstencraft, John Stuart Mill, Rosa Luxembourg to St George’s School’s very own Michael Oakeshott! British political ideological trends will then be contrasted with a broader, more internationalist movement: Feminism. The growth and development of Feminism across the twentieth century will be studied, as well as the divergence of the movement into radical and liberal groups. The history of Feminism will be supported through reference to key thinkers – from Simone de Beauvoir to Kate Millet.

Assessment

At the end of the A Level course, there will be 3, 2 hour exams, on each of the three units. Questions will be mainly knowledge-based, and will require analysis, precise recall of detail, as well as interpretative and evaluative skills of writing. Students should expect to be proficient at essay writing and be able to juggle all sorts of arguments.

Other Information

The course will appeal to all those with an interest in Politics and current affairs. It will be particularly suited to students who enjoy debate and show skills at communicating in written form. We have found that all sorts of students enjoy the course and do well so we tend to have an eclectic mix in our classes. Some Scientists will want to add an Arts or Humanities subject to their Core Science diet; other students combine Politics with English or Economics, Philosophy and Ethics or Psychology.

Progression

Results and University

Politics is a popular subject and students achieve well; in 2019 91% of students achieved A*-C grades at A Level. Politics is recognised as an academically rigorous subject, which challenges students and develops in them important skills. We have seen many of our students go on to top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, studying politics-centred courses (such as PPE or International Relations), or to combine Politics with other subjects in their degree course. A significant number go on into Law.

Extra-Curricular

The Department encourages students to study Politics beyond the classroom. Students of Politics regularly participate and lead in Debates both through the School Debate Club and within the Friday 5 programme. A trip to Washington and New York will run in October 2020 for students studying Politics or History.

Possible Career Paths/Opportunities

Politics is a well-respected degree and opens many doors. The study of political science leads naturally into a career in lobbying, Parliamentary service and political campaigning. The study of Politics also enables students to understand the political objectives and barriers behind Government decision-making – vital to working in any public or private field. The analytical and evaluative skills developed through the study of Politics are valuable to a successful career in many professional fields from Law to Accountancy.