Politics
At Harris Garrard Academy, the study of Politics provides students with a critical understanding of the political systems that shape the world around them.
Through an engaging and comprehensive A Level curriculum, students explore key ideas, institutions, processes, and debates that define both the UK and global political landscapes. Our programme encourages analytical thinking, informed debate, and a deeper awareness of democratic processes and political ideologies.
Overview Year 12 - Component 1: UK Politics
Political Participation & Core Political Ideas
Students begin their journey by examining how people and politics interact in the UK. They explore the development of the UK’s democratic system and study both direct and representative democracy, including their features, similarities, and differences.
Key topics include:
- The development and function of political parties
- The role of manifestos and their importance in providing a government mandate
- Electoral systems used in the UK and how they influence political outcomes
- Voting behaviour and the impact of social, economic and cultural factors
- The role of the media in shaping political awareness and opinions
In addition, students explore three core political ideologies: Conservatism, Liberalism, and Socialism. They investigate the principles underpinning each ideology, examining views on human nature, the state, society, and the economy. Students also assess internal divisions within these ideologies and explore the contributions of key political thinkers.
Overview Year 12 - Component 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas
UK Government & Additional Ideologies
In this component, students study the workings of the UK government, with a focus on how decisions are made, who makes them, and how power is distributed and balanced across key institutions.
Key learning areas include:
- The nature and structure of the UK constitution, including its uncodified format
- The roles and powers of the executive, legislature, and judiciary
- The relationship and balance of power between the branches of government
- The accountability and scrutiny of those in power
Alongside the UK Government, students explore one non-core political ideology from the following: Anarchism, Ecologism, Feminism, Multiculturalism, or Nationalism.
This exploration includes:
- The core beliefs and values of the chosen ideology
- Applications of these beliefs to societal and political issues
- Internal ideological divisions
- Key thinkers and their contributions
Overview Year 13 - Component 3: Comparative Politics
Government and Politics of the USA
In this final component, students gain insight into the political system of the United States of America, examining its foundations, operation, and key debates.
Key areas of study include:
- The US Constitution and the core principles that underpin it
- The structure and powers of US government institutions
- Civil rights and liberties in the USA
- The role of checks and balances in maintaining democratic accountability
- Political participation, including elections and pressure groups
- Comparative analysis between the UK and US political systems
Students evaluate to what extent “liberty and justice for all” has been achieved in the USA. They also consider how US politics impacts the UK, Europe, and the wider world, all while developing an understanding of comparative political theory.
Why study politics at Harris Garrard Academy?
Our Politics course encourages students to engage critically with the world, develop well-informed opinions, and communicate them with clarity and confidence. It lays a strong foundation for further study in political science, law, sociology, international relations, or journalism – and for active citizenship in a democratic society.
For queries about the Politics curriculum please contact Jermaine Lambert j.lambert@harrisgarrard.org.uk.
