Politics

Through our teaching we explore contemporary politics and the distribution of power in modern Britain, as well as political concepts, values and ideologies.

A Level

Politics is taught at A Level, though younger pupils are encouraged to get involved via the Junior Politics Society which provides a forum for the discussion on any area of interest  and really encourages scholarship. For example, topics have included Indian politics, voting behaviour in recent elections and also The Northern Ireland peace process.

The two-year course covers the British political system and political ideologies. In the second year, pupils are allowed to choose between studying the American political system or international relations. Mock elections and referendums allow pupils to get involved with campaigning and hustings. There is also Polecon Society which allows for scholarship and deeper exploration of subjects, often with external speakers.

Competitions

Pupils are encouraged to enter prize essay competitions which are all advertised in the Humanities Faculty, for example the John Locke Essay competition. There is also an internal essay competition to win the Gritten Prize in International Relations.

Trips

This year, trips have included a visit to the Houses of Parliament and the UK Supreme Court, as well as attending a student-organised conference focusing on the environment held at St Paul’s Girls’ School. In the Upper Eighth (Year 13), visits are made to the US Embassy for those studying the US syllabus, and to Brussels for those studying the International Relations option.