Politics

The Social Sciences curriculum for Sixth Form students at Wymondham High Academy Trust provides a choice of six subjects which challenge, inspire and motivate. Each subject offers students a unique perspective on the world around us and provides students with the skills to apply theories and concepts to the real world. As subjects with external examinations and assessments the precise subject content is governed by the relevant exam board content. However, teachers ensure that this is the basis for the curriculum and does not limit it. The precise exam board chosen is influenced by the specification content, the nature of the assessment and how the specification complements and builds on the knowledge and skills of our Sixth Form students. Our approach is to explain the world around us and therefore enrich student lives. This means that current events, trends and examples are used to underpin the syllabus taught. Importantly none of the subjects require prior knowledge and teachers ensure that first lessons cater for the needs of those with some knowledge at GCSE and those who have started the subjects in Year 12. In addition, A Level teachers take care to ensure there is a strong foundation of knowledge from year one which is developed with the more challenging year two content.

Politics A Level enables students to understand how we are governed and the political theories which underpin modern societies. The AQA syllabus in particular includes a depth study of ideologies which means students gain access to foundational concepts in the two-year course. There is a focus on the government of the UK and USA. This enables students to compare and contrast the two systems. The political ideas unit enables students to contrast the main ideologies – liberalism, conservatism and socialism – with one alternative, such as nationalism or feminism. This degree of flexibility means that the topics taught can be adapted to current events, the teachers’ specialisms, and where possible student preferences. Teachers ensure that issues are debated within class so that students practice developing coherent arguments both in essay form and verbally.

Longterm Curriculum Learning Plan - Politics