Head of Humanities Department: Mrs Green

Head of Subject: Mr Johnston

Overview

This course offers the opportunity to engage in the structured examination of political issues on which to develop skills for citizenship and further study, emphasising contemporary politics and political debates, focussing on the UK in the context of Europe and the wider world.

Students can expect to develop personal effectiveness through critical awareness of political events and debates and be able to argue a case with relevance and coherence.

The study of politics also encourages the development of critical thinking. In addition, opportunities are provided for key skills development: communication, IT, working with others and reflective learning in particular.

The specification supports progression from GCSE and acts as a bridge to further study at college or university however it also provides a satisfying and worthwhile course for those who have not studied the subject at GCSE or do not wish to progress to further study in the subject.

Government & Politics in Year 12

Course specifications:
This course introduces students to the study of politics by looking at the central ideas of democracy and representation in the UK, examining the major political institutions of UK government and their effectiveness, and the impact and desirability of political and constitutional change.

The course is delivered in 2 units:

1. People and Politics

2. Governing the UK

Each unit asks key questions which offer a focus for learning about a variety of political issues such as:

• Is the UK a good example of a democracy?
• Can Judges protect your rights?
• Is there a need for constitutional reform?
• Do political parties strengthen or undermine our political system?
• Is the Prime Minister too powerful?

Government & Politics in Year 13

Course specifications:

This course introduces students to the study of political thought by examining the key ideas that have shaped our political, economic and social experiences; Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism. We look at the ideologies that have developed out of, or in opposition to, the main ideological traditions and highlight the relationship between ideological belief and political practice in the UK.

The course is delivered in 2 units:

1. Introducing political ideologies

2. Other ideological traditions

Each unit delivers learning in four areas. Questions which arise from these areas include the following:

• Has New Labour abandoned socialism?
• Is the rise of religious fundamentalism a response to the ‘triumph of liberalism’?
• Is fascism necessarily racist?
• Is Marxism any longer relevant?

Scheme Of Assessment

Each unit is assessed separately in a written exam which is usually taken in summer term. There is no coursework requirement (which seems to be very popular with students).

For more details please log on to the Edexcel website.

Curriculum Enhancement

The politics experience at Warlingham School is further enriched by the input of experts and specialists working in the political arena who regularly visit the school to work with our students. Our annual visit to the Houses of Parliament is always a highlight, and attending the One–Day Student Conference provides the opportunity for students to meet well known figures working in politics and the media.

Results

The Government & Politics Department is especially proud of the exam results that students achieve.

Trips

Houses of Parliament for Year 12.
Year 12/13 Politics Conference with key speakers from the world of politics deliver discussions on topical policital issues with the opportunity for a question and answer session.
Revision Day hosted by chief examiner and experts in the field of politics.