Politics

Curriculum Intent

Sixth Form students of this subject at Beacon will learn about the ideas, processes and institutions of politics in the UK and in the US. The changing nature of national and international politics motivates students to keep up to date with current affairs, as debate around these topics forms an important part of the course. This flexibility in the curriculum allows students to see political theory in action. Aspects of current events are chosen as evidence and examples to illustrate analytical points based on their relevance and ability to motivate and intrigue Beacon students.

The curriculum has been designed to allow students to understand the ways in which people can contribute to and participate in politics to influence decisions and become active citizens. Beacon Politics students evaluate the strengths and limitations of national and international democracy through structural cultural and rational comparative theory sections of the course. These comparisons improve students’ engagement in the wider political world and empower them to improve the existing system. The study of different political ideologies underpins the curriculum and gives additional context and a more complex understanding of current affairs and political history. The optional political thought unit on different branches of feminism provides valuable additional perspectives, explaining how different feminist thinkers understand the nature of the state, society, human nature and the economy. This option was chosen for its relevance and importance to Beacon students of all gender identities. In summary, the Beacon Politics A-Level curriculum is intended to develop a fascination with the changing nature of contemporary politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes.

SEN students can be supported through audio-visual resources and enlarged text, if appropriate.