Politics

Politics is a lively subject, full of personalities and controversies and we aim to help students develop an understanding of political ideas and concepts.

The department follows the Edexcel specification for A Level. In the Lower Sixth, we focus on how the UK political system works; the institutions of government, how it is elected and the limits of power that it exercises over its citizens. This is followed in the Upper Sixth with the study and analysis of a number of ideologies, liberalism, conservatism, socialism and feminism and a course on US government and politics.

Lessons are an exchange of ideas and opinions, and involve debate and discussion. They provide the girls with the opportunity to get fully involved in the understanding of complex issues and ensure they are able to develop the skills of structured essay writing and effective presentation of their knowledge which will be necessary for their examinations.

The A Level Government and Politics specification is designed to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics. Students acquire knowledge of the structures of authority and power within the political systems of the United Kingdom and the United States. The girls will look at political ideas and philosophy that underpins the relationship and rules between those who govern and those who are governed.

Students are encouraged to think and debate more widely about how other political systems may differ and to develop an international perspective.

Making The Right Choice

Although most pupils begin the A Level course with no previous knowledge of Politics, we believe it is important that, at the time they are making their choices, they are interested in current affairs and News, and it is expected that they regularly read newspapers and newsfeeds, watch News programmes such as Newsnight, and that they have a keen desire to know more about the way we are governed. The work is quite demanding and they will need to be committed to keeping up with developments in Westminster and Washington.

Curriculum

Politics A Level is a linear course which is assessed with 100% examination at the end of the Upper Sixth.

Paper 1 – UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

This module explores the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK. Students will investigate how people and politics interact. They will develop an understanding of how individuals operate within the political process and their own relationship with the state and their fellow citizens. Students will also explore the three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. They will explore these core political ideas in relation to human nature, the state, society and the economy.

Paper 2 – UK Government and non-core Political Ideas

In this module students will develop their understanding of the nature of the UK government, enabling them to understand where, how and by whom political decisions are made. This module also introduces students to the set of rules governing politics in the UK, the UK constitution, learning in detail about the roles and powers of the executive, legislature and judiciary. The girls will explore an additional political idea; at FHS we study feminism. Students will learn about the core ideas and principles of feminism and the effects of these ideas.

Paper 3 – Comparative Politics

We live in a complex world with significant challenges and global politics allows students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity. It also gives students an opportunity to explore political issues that affect all of us. The girls will explore issues such as global terrorism, poverty and economic instability. They will, through considering real world examples and case studies, develop an international awareness of these concerns.

Resources And Beyond The Classroom

The Politics Department is well resourced, enabling us to keep up to date with the latest political developments and use a variety of teaching methods.

Politics students are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest changes in politics through podcasts, print media and social media, where specific verified sites are highlighted. We also make the most of being situated very near to the centre of UK government with visits to Parliament and the London Assembly. In the recent past, the girls were able to meet with distinguished parliamentarians such as Baroness Lady Hale, former Prime Minister Tony Blair and Ian Duncan Smith.