Politics
Understanding power and authority in a rapidly changing world
Who holds power and authority around the world? How much power do law-makers really have? What influence or say do we have as ordinary people? Taking an active interest in current affairs and understanding how decisions are made by our politicians is a key life skill.
When Eastbournians leave the sixth form they will be old enough to vote. With this privilege comes the responsibility to grasp the key issues, both at home and abroad, so they can make informed judgments as active, engaged citizens. Politics encourages its sixth form pupils to interpret, evaluate, debate and comment on the nature of politics.
Department Overview
The course initially focuses on the UK, looking at everything from participation and voting behaviour to pressure groups. The course ensures that pupils understand the systems and processes of politics and government, as well as the issues that drive debate. In addition to national politics, we look at local politics and the European Union too.
In the Upper Sixth, the course moves on to focus on US politics, including the central elements of the US system such as the presidency, federalism and the supreme court. It also covers issues at the heart of American politics such as abortion, gun control, immigration, race and gender. A third paper introduces political ideologies such as conservatism, liberalism and socialism and feminism.
Politics fits very neatly in combination with a range of A-levels such as economics, history, business, geography, and philosophy and theology, providing an excellent foundation for anyone wanting to go on to study these subjects at degree level. At university a focus on international relations is also very popular.
“Democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safeguard of democracy, therefore, is education.”
Beyond the Classroom
There are regular trips to the House of Commons and, in conjunction with the History Department, to Washington DC. Pupils are encouraged to be aware of local politics and participate in the Youth Parliament and Model United Nations (MUN).
In a rapidly changing world, keeping a close eye on the news will, of course, be an essential part of studying politics. We encourage pupils to follow the cut and thrust of the daily machinations at Westminster, in Brussels and Washington.
