Politics
Head Of Department: Mr B Maude-Barker
Contact Details: brmb@felsted.org
IB - Global Politics
Why study Global Politics?
Global Politics is a course for students who want to understand more about how the world they live in works, what makes it change, or what prevents it from changing. The course draws on a variety of disciplinary traditions in the study of politics and international relations, and more broadly in the social sciences and humanities.
Students build their knowledge and understanding by critically engaging with contemporary political issues and challenges that interest them. The scope of global politics extends over a wide range of topics and areas of study, many of which will find links with other subjects in the individuals and societies group. Students develop their understanding of political concepts and their knowledge of specific content by exploring and researching real-world case studies and examples.
Developing an understanding of power is critical for analysing how political systems work and how they change. Global politics students encounter the complexity and nuances of power from the beginning of the course. They build their understanding of how power works across multiple and interconnected dimensions, affecting the everyday lives of people around the world.
Course structure
The global politics course includes a common syllabus with prescribed content that both standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) students are expected to cover. This comprises a set of core topics and three thematic studies: rights and justice, development and sustainability, and peace and conflict.
Both SL and HL students must also undertake an engagement project, which requires identifying and analysing a political issue in a community or local setting through research and active engagement.
HL students engage in extended inquiries focused on global political challenges. This is done through independent research in case studies selected by students. As part of their engagement project, HL students are additionally expected to conduct complementary research and formulate recommendations to address the identified political issue.
In terms of external assessment, paper 1 and paper 2 are common for both SL and HL students, while paper 3 is for HL students only.
A Level - Politics
Exam Board: Edexcel www.edexcel.com
Syllabus Code: 9PL0
Why study Politics?
Given the sheer scale of the political changes that have engulfed both the British and American political systems since the banking crisis of 2008 it could be argued that there has never been a more important time to study the political trends that are shaping the lives we lead. Politics is a subject that encompasses aspects of History and Economics and therefore it is multi-faceted.
It is a subject that enables pupils to make sense of a rapidly changing world, whether it be Britain’s relations with the EU or the possible implications of Scottish devolution, and to understand the complex politics of what is still the most powerful country in the world – the USA. Above all, it is a subject which, by its very nature, is constantly evolving and provides ample opportunities for pupils to think through and debate their own political ideas. Study trips, for instance to the Houses of Parliament, and visiting speakers, also help to bring the subject alive for pupils.
The analytical and evaluative skills required of Politics pupils serve as an excellent preparation for many humanities-based degree courses; especially those such as International Relations and PPE, which have a specific Politics component. The emphasis on extended writing and forthright, reasoned debate helps pupils develop vital intellectual skills that they will need at university and beyond.
Expectations of independent study
Pupils can usually expect to be set one significant piece of written work per fortnight. This is most usually an examination answer or essay. One of the major differences between GCSE and A Level study is the greater emphasis on wider reading and research and this is particularly important in a constantly evolving subject like Politics. Therefore, all pupils of Politics are expected to engage in their own wider reading. Taking out a subscription to a publication like The Week, The Economist or The New Statesman can be hugely beneficial.
Requirements
There are no rigid entry recommendations but to make a success of studying Politics it can be helpful to have studied History at GCSE and to have achieved at least a Level 5 in this subject. Even more importantly, Politics pupils need to have a genuine interest in current affairs.
What do the pupils say?
“It can be related to many subjects such as Economics, Business Studies and History…the lessons are very active and you will soon find yourself arguing your points.”
“I have not only learned a lot about my specific course such as new vocabulary and a wider knowledge of the world and politics, but also invaluable skills on how to write essays.”
What career pathways are open to me if I study this subject?
With the likes of David Cameron, Ed Balls, Danny Alexander, Barbara Castle, Edwina Currie and Tony Benn all having studied Politics as part of a PPE degree, it can sometimes seem as if studying Politics at university can lead almost inevitably to a career in politics! However, more usually pupils who complete a degree in Politics or International Relations, have a wide range of careers options open to them, in careers as diverse as the Civil Service, Law, Banking or working in the corporate world.
Assessment:
Paper 1 33.3%
UK Politics
Paper 2 33.3%
UK Government
Paper 3 33.3%
Comparative Politics
It is really interesting and very accessible. It has really complemented my History lessons.
Sophie, L6 pupil