Recently introduced as a subject in the Sixth Form, Government and Politics has proved to be a popular option.

The department prepared students for papers on the AQA course. At AS level this involves a study of three modules: Electoral Systems and Voting Behaviour, Parties and Pressure Groups, and Features of a Representative Democracy. These will involve such elements as Political Culture and Voting Behaviour, Electoral Systems, Political Parties, Pressure Groups and Protest Movements, Representative Institutions and Governing Britain.

At A2 students study the Politics of the United States, Comparative UK/USA Government, and a synoptic module which draws together knowledge, understanding and skills learned in different parts of the A Level course.

One of the most exciting features of studying this subject is the way in which changes and developments on the contemporary political scene can be viewed and understood in a more rigorous academic light, whilst at the same time enhancing understanding and providing up-to-date evidence and examples which may be used in essays and answers.

Students are encouraged to read newspapers, and political weeklies, and take a close interest in political programmes on radio and television. This is a subject which thrives on informed discussion in class and students are given every encouragement to become positively engaged in the political process.