Why Study Politics?
This course is open to any student interested in British Government and Politics and the study of other comparative political systems. It would be an advantage to have an inquisitive and analytical mind. Students must be prepared to consult a wide range of sources particularly relevant texts, journals, newspapers and television coverage.
The department consistently produces high grades at A Level. The subject offers both academic success and an interesting and ever-changing area of study. The department has organised a number of political visits, both in the UK and overseas. Students also attend a series of lectures with an annual trip to the Houses of Parliament.
The method of assessment is predominantly based on essays and so it will be necessary for students to be able to write in a detailed and coherent manner. Students will be encouraged to enter into class-based discussion and to develop the confidence to communicate ideas and opinions. Politics can be profitably combined with subjects such as Economics, History, Business Studies and Geography. However it also compliments other A-Level subjects such as English Literature, Modern Languages and the Philosophy of Religion & Ethics. Many former students have found that such a combination helps them to achieve a university place, studying subjects such as Politics, History, Economics, Law or other social science and arts courses.
The College has an established Politics Society that has organised a variety of activities: a Mock Parliament and Question Time, as well as having guest politicians to address the students. The College is a member of the Politics Association and takes part in Conferences and Lecture Days on a regular basis. These give the students the opportunity to mix with students of other colleges and to listen to academics and authors of political texts. Three of our former pupils have become MP’s which led one local newspaper to describe the College as ‘the new breeding ground for future politicians’.