Politics

Curriculum Vision

From the #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter campaigns to social media. Young people, more than any other generation, are being bombarded by political messages every single day. What to make of it all? Sometimes unplugging and leaving it all behind seems the safest option. But politics can’t be switched off. It’s a living thing that has grown to include everything about everyone’s life. Do you want to go to university? Then the issue of university fees needs to be discussed. Do you think people should vote at 16? Issues that are more important than ever. We need young people to not only vote, but to be engaged in these political discussions. We believe that nowadays, more than ever before, is the time when the study of Politics will help students to navigate through the noise and the half truths. We want your vote to count and for the parties to have to earn that vote, not to expect it automatically.

 
A video introduction to our Politics course in LPGS6 (our co-educational Sixth Form)

 

Course Description:

The A-Level Politics course at LPGS6 offers students a comprehensive understanding of political systems, ideologies, and issues in the UK and beyond. It is designed for students eager to explore current affairs and develop informed perspectives.

The course is divided into three main components:

  • UK Politics and Political Ideas covers the fundamental principles of the UK’s democratic system, including its electoral systems, political parties, and pressure groups. Students also explore the conservative, liberal, and socialist ideologies.

  • UK Government focuses on the structure and workings of the UK government. This unit examines the constitution, the role of Parliament, and the judiciary. Students study the power dynamics between various branches of government. At LPGS6 we also study feminism as an optional extra ideology.

  • Global Politics gives students a fundamental understanding of international relations, covering key topics like globalisation, international organisations, and global power structures. Students explore issues of security, human rights, and the impact of economic and environmental challenges on international cooperation and conflict.

Skills Required:

Students should be passionate about understanding how the world works and be prepared to question and think critically about it.

Method of Assessment:

There are three papers in A-Level Politics, each of which carries a third of the overall mark. The questions are a variety of essay questions and source-based questions.

Paper 1 – 33.3%

Paper 2 – 33.3%

Paper 3 – 33.3%

Progression:

Politics is highly regarded as an academic subject by university admissions tutors. Using similar skills of evaluation and analysis as the other Humanities subjects, it fits well into the A-Level profile. Success in Politics reflects the ability to debate, conclude arguments, interpret information and write fluently and articulately, all of which are skills important to universities regardless of the degree course you may apply for. Each year, several students continue to study Politics in related courses at university.