Politics
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If you want to understand the world around you and feel confident in engaging in debate about the big issues in society, both in the UK and globally, then politics is the subject for you.
Politics is a cutting-edge subject which is constantly changing and developing. Studying Politics allows pupils to take a fresh look at the issues of power and conflict. Political decisions shape all our lives in the present and in the future and for that reason alone everyone should be aware of how their system of government operates. The study of politics is an exciting intellectual challenge that invites debate and discussion. At FHS, politics students visit Parliament, meet
with an MP and have had the opportunity to participate in a trip to New York to visit the United Nations Headquarters.
The girls also learn about contemporary political issues in the Upper School Enrichment Programme.
A Level Politics aims to provide students with a balanced education in politics. Students follow the Edexcel A Level syllabus – a linear course which is assessed with 100% examination at the end of Year 13.
Paper 1 – UK Politics and Core Political Ideas
This module explores the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK. Students will investigate how people and politics interact. They will develop an understanding of how individuals operate within the political process and their own relationship with the state and their fellow citizens.
Students will also explore the three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. They will explore these core political ideas in relation to human nature, the state, society and the economy.
Paper 2 – UK Government and non-core Political Ideas
In this module students will develop their understanding of the nature of the UK government, enabling them to understand where, how and by whom political decisions are made. This module also introduces students to the set of rules governing politics in the UK, the UK constitution, learning in detail about the roles and powers of the executive, legislature and judiciary. Students will explore an additional political idea; at FHS we will study feminism. Students will learn about the core ideas and principles of feminism and the effects of these ideas.
Paper 3 – Comparative Politics
We live in a complex world with significant challenges and global politics allows students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity. It also gives students an opportunity to explore political issues that affect all of us. Students will explore issues such as global terrorism, poverty and economic instability. They will, through considering real world examples and case studies, develop an international awareness of these concerns.
This is an ideal course for anyone interested in current affairs and political ideas.
This subject is useful for anyone wanting to study Law, Politics, Philosophy, History, International Relations or Journalism at university. Students with Politics A Level often progress to careers in Law, management, politics and the civil service.
As part of the Upper School Enrichment Programme, girls have the option of choosing to participate in an elective on the Model United Nations. Here girls learn about key issues in global politics, how the United Nations operates and how to develop their skills in debating and communication.
The Politics Department is well resourced and the classroom in the Sixth Form Centre which enables us to keep up to date with the latest political developments.
Girls are encouraged to keep up to date with the latest changes in politics through podcasts, print media and social media, where specific verified sites are highlighted.
We also make the most of being situated very near to the centre of UK government with visits to Parliament and the London Assembly. The department runs a trip to New York, visiting the UN General Assembly, Ellis Island and other sites of significance and to Brussels to visit the EU Parliament and Nato.
Ms C Stansfield – Head of Sixth Form, Head of Politics and teacher of History. She writes regularly for Politics Review and has co-authored politics resources and a textbook.
Mrs C Wilkes – Head of Futures and teacher of Politics and History. She is an experienced teacher of Politics and has participated in many extra-curricular activities.
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