Politics

“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools.” Plato

Welcome to the fascinating realm of Government and Politics at Salvatorian Sixth Form where we recognize the paramount importance of political literacy in our tumultuous era. At Salvatorian Sixth Form, we are committed to providing all students with the understanding to comprehend our rapidly changing country and world.

Our Politics curriculum is designed with this intent in mind. By exploring British politics, US politics, and the key political ideologies, our students gain a comprehensive understanding of Western politics and the theories underpinning them. Through dynamic lessons and engaging discussions, students will not only understand the nature of political systems and their development but also be equipped to judge their health in the 21st century.

Our curriculum is ever evolving, with lessons updated annually to reflect the latest developments in politics. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own political opinions and form conclusions on current events, fostering critical thinking and active citizenship.

Our Staff

Mr D Evans – Head of Department

Mr J Michie – Teacher of Politics

Key Stage Five

Aligned with the Edexcel A-Level syllabus, our curriculum unfolds over two years. In Year 12, students delve into UK Politics, exploring democracy, representation, political parties, electoral systems, and voting behaviour. They also examine the Constitution, Parliament, the Executive, and the Supreme Court. Additionally, they explore core political ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.

In Year 13, students can deepen their understanding further. They explore the optional ideology of feminism and delve into the intricacies of US Politics. This includes studying the US Constitution, Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, and democracy and representation in the American context

Students have 5 lessons a week, and all classes visit the Houses of Parliament and the Supreme Court to help with their studies.

Links to Future Pathways

Many students who study A Level Politics progress to a university degree, and there are many degree courses that A Level Politics can suit.
•Anthropology, Economics, English, History, International Relations, Journalism, Law, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology

Lots of the content covered in A Level Politics, for example, will come up in a Politics undergraduate degree. The background knowledge that A Level Politics provides for you will allow you to demonstrate a great understanding of the university course content.

Whether jumping straight into employment after completing your A Levels, or completing a university course first, A Level Politics can lead to some interesting careers. According to Prospects.ac.uk, some of the best jobs suited to A Level Politics include:
•Civil Service, Government social research officer, Policy officer, Political risk analyst, Politician’s assistant, public affairs consultant, social researcher

There are also a range of careers in which the skills learned at A Level Politics can be particularly useful, including:
•Business development manager, Charity officer, Detective, Diplomatic service officer, Forensic accountant, Human resources officer, Local government officer, Market researcher, Marketing executive, Newspaper journalist, public relations officer, Stockbroker