Politics

Curriculum Intent

At Blenheim Politics is designed to help you become more politically self-aware and to broaden your understanding of how politics works both in the UK and abroad. You will explore and understand the workings of the UK government and our parliamentary system, gaining an appreciation for the roles and powers of Parliament, the Executive and the Judiciary and the complex interplay between them. You will also begin to understand the nature of the UK’s uncodified constitution and how it has and is developing in the modern world as new challenges emerge including security and devolution.

At the same time you will begin to develop an understanding of some of the main ideologies like socialism and conservatism and how these ideas are reflected in the political parties of the UK. Similarly, your personal political awareness will be enhanced through study of democracy and participation in the UK, just as your understanding of society will be developed through looking at voting behaviour in a range of electoral systems. Finally, students of politics at Blenheim will develop a sense of Britain’s position in the larger world order through the study of global politics. This covers a range of pertinent contemporary issues including economic and political governance, environmentalism, issues of human rights and issues of poverty. Ultimately, politics at Blenheim develops more politically self-aware individuals with a strong grasp of how politics works on a domestic and international stage, whilst cultivating an appreciation for the significance of contemporary issues.

Facilities

Specialist teaching classrooms
A wide range of reading material
Back issues of Politics Review

A level Politics

Course details

The A level Politics syllabus examines how modern Britain is governed and how states and organisations interact on a global scale to tackle problems. If students are interested in the world them, how decisions are made, and ‘who gets what and when’, then Politics is a good choice. With the new focus on bringing History, Philosophy and Politics together, there are chances to build on previous knowledge learnt in other subjects.

Students will:

Learn how to develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes.
Understand what the structures of authority and power are within the political system of the UK and how these might differ from those of other political systems.
Acquire knowledge and informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual.
Come to foster an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics.

Year One Course Outline

Contemporary Politics of the UK: Exploring political parties, pressure groups, electoral systems and the role of voting behaviour and the media in determining the outcomes of elections.
Contemporary Government of the UK: Exploring the Constitution, prime ministers, parliament, the Supreme Court and the changing nature of the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Core Political Ideologies: Exploring the nature, development and ideas of Socialism, Liberalism and Conservatism

Year Two Course Outline

Global Politics: Exploring the different international bodies that are responsible for making decisions on a global scale and responding to crises. This includes global governance of politics, economics, humanitarian crises and the environment. The course also covers regionalism and the EU as well as recent developments in who holds power.

Non-core Political Ideologies: Exploring the ideas, developments and nature of Nationalism

Link to course specification

Assessment

Exam (2 hrs)

UK Politics and core political ideologies

33.3% of the

qualification

Exam (2 hrs)

UK Government and non-core political ideologies

33.3% of the

qualification

Exam (2 hrs)

Global Politics

33.3% of the

qualification

Enrichment opportunities

The Politics department has numerous opportunities to learn about government and Politics outside of the classroom setting. This summer this included a tour of the Houses of Parliament and a visit to the Supreme Court.

Many of our Politics students are keen members of the thriving Debating Society and Blenheim's Model United Nations organisation. An interest in current affairs and a willingness to work hard outside of lessons is vital to examination success.

Student quotes

“Politics is not only interesting but also widely applicable to the real world. If you want a subject that is as fun as it is compelling, this is for you” – Jack, Year 12

Progression

Students with A level Politics have access to a wide range of possible career and higher education opportunities. Politics combines well with a range of Social Sciences and Humanities subjects to lead to university courses in areas such as business, economics, law, media, philosophy and, of course, politics and international relations. Students who choose not to go on to higher studies will have well-developed transferable skills that will allow them to explore a wide variety of employment opportunities.