Introduction

In a world of fake and fast news, an understanding of politics is crucial and Stratford Girls’ Grammar School are passionate about nurturing critical minds and developing lifelong learners who have the skills and abilities to succeed in the world beyond school. Led by two experienced Politics teachers with a strong track record of success, we intend to instil a curiosity that delves beyond political headlines and helps students analyse and evaluate how political systems work. In recent years we have facilitated annual trips for learning experiences in the UK and the USA.

 

Sixth Form Curriculum

As a highly successful and popular department, we use the Edexcel curriculum to explore UK and USA contemporary politics, through debate, discussion and dialogue. Our students are encouraged to work together, disagree with one another and explore current political issues in a challenging yet friendly environment.

Students will gain a clear understanding of the theories, motives and values that underpin political processes and governmental decision-making and the role of institutions in resolving conflicts and allocating scarce resources. They will develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes

We explore the structures of authority and power within the political system of the UK, and how these may differ from other political systems; as well as developing critical awareness of political events and issues, and the skills required to argue a case with relevance and coherence.

Our learning is enhanced with a wide variety of co-curricular activities to strengthen students’ skills of critical thinking and debating, and to develop their pro-social commitment to make the world around them a better place.  These activities include an impressive speakers programme, trips including visits to the UK Parliament and the United States Supreme Court in Washington DC. Our lunchtime clubs include Politics (exploring weekly issues), Amnesty International, and a very successful Model United Nations club, which attends the Oxford University Global MUN conference every year.

This subject supports progression into further education such as a Politics or International Relations degree, but is also useful towards subjects such as History, Geography, Economics and Social Policy. Studying Politics opens up a broad range of future career opportunities, from social and political research roles, to journalism, marketing, human resources (HR), public relations and the civil service.

 

Resources

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SGGS Politics Twitter:  @SGGSPoliticsDep