Intent
Across RET schools the politics curriculum is both academic and ambitious. It aims to develop
- knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, both within the United Kingdom (UK) and globally.
- a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes.
- knowledge and an informed understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics. knowledge and an informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups.
- the ability to analyse critically, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgements.
- an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics.
All schools follow the Pearson specifications (A level at key stage 5 at BFS, BKS, STA and AS level at key stage 4 at THS)
Implementation
Students will be taught to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues (AO1).
- analyse aspects of politics and political information, including in relation to parallels, connections, similarities and differences (AO2).
- evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions (AO3).
Key Themes/Concepts
All students study
- democracy
- participation
- political parties
- electoral systems
- voting behaviour
- media
- constitution
- parliament
- Prime Minister and executive
- relationships between the branches
A level students will study all of
- conservatism
- liberalism
- socialism
and at least one of
- anarchism
- ecologism
- feminism
- multiculturalism
- nationalism
Links to KS4:
Politics is not taught at any RET school prior to embarking on the AS or A level course. However, knowledge and skills from subjects such as history, geography, religious studies and PSHE/citizenship are useful.
The A level course provides excellent preparation to further study of the subject in higher education.
Extra-Curricular :
Examples include:
- BFS - Visit from local MP (Darren Jones). Visit to Houses of Parliament.
- BKS
- STA
- THS