Politics
Curriculum Leader:
Mr A Bagnall
Department Introduction:
Why study Politics?
Lively, relevant, controversial, A-level Politics is an exciting humanities subject that inspires students to think about and view the world from different perspectives. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose. Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how the UK country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills. It also helps grow your confidence.
It’s ideal if you’re considering studying Politics, Law, Sociology, Ethics, Advertising or Journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.
Politics has all the rigor of any academic subject and for the last two years all students entered at A2 from WGHS have attained A*/A. It is unique as a subject for the extent of discussion, debate and argument. It suits students who are curious about the world around them, who want to learn more about how power is shared and how to participate in the political process.
Department Aims:
Key Stage 3:
Key Stage 4:
Key Stage 5:
What will I study in Key Stage 5 Politics?
Year 12 AQA
Unit 1: The government of the UK: including the structure and role of Parliament, the nature and sources of the British constitution, the Prime Minister and cabinet, the judiciary and devolution.
The politics of the UK: including democracy and participation, elections and referendums, political parties, protest movements and pressure groups.
Unit 3: Political Ideas: including a study of liberalism and conservatism. The focus of the study is on the theoretical ideas underpinning these ideologies as well as practical examples across the world.
Year 13 AQA
Unit 3: Political Ideas: including a study of socialism and as our optional unit, feminism. The focus of the study is on the theoretical ideas underpinning these ideologies as well as practical examples across the world.
Unit 2: Government and Politics of the USA: including the constitution, Congress, the role of the President, the Supreme Court, the electoral process, direct democracy, political parties, pressure groups, and civil rights.
These units are assessed on three two hour papers at the end of Year 13.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
The department offers a range of opportunities in the Sixth Form. Students studying Politics all visit London on a day trip where we visit the Houses of Parliament and The Supreme Court having tours of both and the opportunity to meet an MP. We also offer opportunities to meet and ask questions to MPs, peers or mentor lower school students with Mock Magistrates.