St. Mary's

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Politics Subject Overview

“The unexamined life is not worth living”
Socrates
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek”
Barack Obama
"Speak out for those who cannot speak… [and] defend the rights of the poor and needy”
Proverbs
31:8-9

Statement of Intent

Why we teach politics

Politics is an analytical, critical and deeply relevant subject which allows pupils to get to grips with British and American political processes, political arguments and government structures systems. It enables students to be more aware of the political arguments and debates that are shaping the world in which we live.

Roots taught throughout KS5, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues.
  • Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including in relation to parallels, connections, similarities and differences.
  • Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions.
Subject Overviews
The Learning Journey

Over the course of the two years, learners will be able to:

  • comprehend and interpret political information.
  • critically analyse and evaluate the areas of politics studied.
  • construct arguments and explanations leading to reasoned conclusions.
  • identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of the areas of politics studied.
  • construct and communicate arguments and explanations with relevance, clarity and coherence.
  • use appropriate political vocabulary.
  • to make comparisons across two political systems.
Our Aims For the Whole child
  • To promote British values.
  • To be active and questioning citizens.
  • To use their right to vote.
  • To become critical thinkers.
  • To stand up for what is right and understand the rule of law.
  • To problem solve.
  • To be tolerant of other cultures and have mutual respect for others.
Catholic Ethos

Politics enables students to stand up for what they believe particularly those with ‘silent’ voices. It encourages students to be active citizens and be a catalyst for change. Politics gives students a depth of understanding of political systems.

A Level Curriculum Map

A Level Overview

At Key Stage 5 students have the opportunity to study Politics.
Exam Board: AQA.

Paper 1: Government and politics of the UK
Paper 2: The government and politics of the USA, Comparative politics
Paper 3: Political ideas – core ideologies liberalism, conservativism, socialism. Optional choice: Multiculturalism

Rationale for multiculturalism as an option– we live in a multicultural society. After events such as 9/11 and 7/7 we understand the importance of raising awareness of belonging, regardless of race, religion and class. This has the most relevance to the modern day whilst further instilling our Catholic Ethos promoting the equal dignity of all cultural groups.

Year 12 Topics
Year 13 Topics