This course introduces pupils to the politics of the UK and USA, enabling them to develop an informed understanding of the historical and contemporary influences that shape the nature of government and politics in both countries. Pupils will examine the ways in which people engage with politics, and the structure and effectiveness of the political systems that operate, by closely relating theory to current affairs.
Careful examination of the key debates that surround issues such as party policy, the role of the legislatures, the nature of general and presidential elections, the respective roles of the judiciary and the protection of rights provide pupils with a detailed overview, and comparison of, modern politics in the UK and USA. Furthermore, they will be introduced to key political ideologies and learn how to evaluate and interpret political events through debate, discussion, and written work.
Exam board: Edexcel
Course name: A Level Politics
Beyond the curriculum
The politics society is well attended by all years, from Third Form (Year 7) to Upper Sixth. Pupils takes part in Democracy Day with Exeter City Council to coincide with national Democracy Day events. We also attend the Parliament Week talk.
Not for us the refrain: “You’re joking – not another one!” We have run both mock referendums and elections with run-up debates for the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum, 2016 EU Referendum, 2017 and 2019 UK General Elections, and Presidential Election campaign debates and election in 2020. We eagerly await the next election.
Teaming up with the history department, we run biennial trips to Washington DC and New York.
