Politics A Level

The purpose of the Politics curriculum is to ensure that students appreciate the importance of politics and develop an understanding that, whether we like it or not politics impacts upon us all.

Politics students will develop an understanding of the UK’s political system and the workings of its institutions, while a comparative unit (with the USA) further develops understanding of alternative political systems. The study of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism introduces students to political history and philosophy and deepens and enrichens their understanding of politics today. Students will be encouraged to ask and answer difficult questions, to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to interpret, evaluate and reach substantiated judgments upon the nature of politics. Links to both university courses (politics, PPE, ethics, international relations, journalism etc.) and the world of work (politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service) are also of considerable importance to our curriculum.

The principles of the Politics curriculum
Here we explore the John Roan curriculum principles in the context of the Politics curriculum:
- Entitlement: all pupils need a good understanding of the beliefs and values that underpin society. For soon-to-be voters our curriculum will not only ensure that all students are fully equipped for A-level examination but, through key concepts such as democracy, political participation, rights etc, will mould informed and engaged citizens.
- Coherence: Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to maximise knowledge, skills and understanding. The course has 3 units and there is a clear rationale for the order in which these are studied. Each unit is approached thematically, and comparisons (UK and USA) are drawn throughout.
- Mastery: regular testing (low and high tariff questions) is embedded within the curriculum. This enables teachers to ensure that foundational knowledge, skills and concepts are secure. To support mastery pupils revisit prior learning on a lesson-by-lesson basis, while feedback is at the heart of the teaching process.
- Adaptability: the core curriculum is in line with the demands of the AQA specification and the focus is exam success for all. In addition, we are able to bring aspects of the curriculum to life in liaison with such as the Parliamentary Education Service and the London Mayoralty. Teachers adapt lesson to meet the needs of their classes.
- Representation: All pupils will be able to see themselves within the Politics curriculum, as each of the units of work is embedded within wider national and international contexts. Our curriculum aspires to take all students beyond their immediate experience and to build cultural capital and develop citizenship.
- Education with character: Through the curriculum pupils are given regular opportunities to discuss and reflect upon a wide variety of political issues. Via such as mock elections (within the school community) and Debate Mate (the wider community) students are also provided with opportunities to further extend their political education.

Politics A Level

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