Why study Politics? It is important that you understand how the country you live in operates. Studying this course will help you make sense of current affairs and produce academic and analytical essays. Politics is particularly useful if you are considering employment in law, journalism or the civil service. The awareness and the skills that you develop through a study of politics, however, are relevant to almost every aspect of life. Features of the course: This course combines three of the most popular units currently offered by exam boards. It combines practical elements such as how government works in the UK and USA, with more theoretical aspects including the study of major political ideologies like conservatism, socialism, liberalism and nationalism. The course aims to widen students’ understanding of the key issues in modern society. It investigates where power lies, how people are represented and the opportunities for change. This includes for example, debates over devolution, civil liberties, how policy is made, the obstacles facing minorities plus the role of political parties. There are numerous extra-curricular activities to support your study of politics such as a joint history and politics trip to London, debating society, Sixth Form discussion group and events like the school mock election.