Why should I study Politics?

Politics combines well with History, Economics, English, RS, Geography and languages, as well as providing a stimulating addition for those opting for Maths or Sciences. It is a valuable subject to study if students are considering applying for PPE or SPS at Oxbridge, or Economics, History, International Relations, Law or any other arts or social science related subjects at university, as well as – obviously – Politics itself. It is also a good choice if you are interested in the society in which you live, the food you eat, the laws you observe (or don’t, as the case may be), and those who govern us.

What will I learn?

Politics is everything from the ongoing civil wars in Libya and Syria, to arguing with your parents about your bedtime; from asking for a higher wage, to the power relationship between you and your teachers. So what about government? Well, government is easier to define: essentially, it is about organising power to make and enforce laws. We will learn about both politics and government. The structure of the course is made up from three of the following components:

UK Politics

  • Democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.
  • Core political ideas: conservatism, liberalism, socialism.
  • UK Government
  • The Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and Executive, relationships between the different branches of government
  • Optional political ideas: one from the following; anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.

Comparative Global Politics

  • Theories of global politics, sovereignty and globalisation, global governance: political and economic, global governance: human rights and environmental, power and development, regionalism and the European Union.

Entry requirements

No prior study of the subject is required, but a keen awareness and interest in current events and politics is essential, as well as a willingness to debate and discuss key issues. A grade 8 or above in English Language is required, and GCSE History is an advantage.

Examination Board: Edexcel

Mr S.B. Pepper
Head of Department