Government & Politics at Wellington College

BBC News

Homs reporters' deaths condemned 23/02/2012 00:58
Cherie Blair starts hacking case 22/02/2012 18:57
Comic Frank Carson dies aged 85 23/02/2012 01:22
'MP held over Parliament assault' 23/02/2012 02:00
World leaders to discuss Somalia 23/02/2012 00:25

Why should we study Politics?

Politics has always been regarded as an activity that has the potential to be a little 'dirty'. The American journalist Ambrose Bierce went as far as to define politics as 'a means of livelihood effected by the more depraved portion of our criminal classes'. This sentiment is echoed, in part, in our experience of British Politics. Here, our politicians are increasingly seen as evasive and dishonest; obsessed with 'spin' and image rather than with the process of making good policy. One result of this, some argue, is political apathy - as reflected in the dramatic decline in voter turnout (just 65.1% at the last General Election).

Regardless of what we think about politicians, however, we ignore the workings of government at our peril. Unless we understand how government works we will never be able to play a full and active part in society. We will always be on the receiving end of other people's wisdom, rather than being in a position to advance our own agenda.

The study of politics takes in the grand issues of government and of justice but also takes one behind these formal facades and seeks to understand the crucial questions of where power lies and to understand 'who gets what, how and why'.

Who should study Politics?:

Government and Politics is a subject which should appeal to students who take an active interest in current affairs, who are prepared to watch political documentary programmes on television and read a good newspaper regularly. A good standard of written English will also be essential to examination success.

Students often take Politics in combination with subjects such as History, Economics, English, Geography and Modern Languages. Students taking three sciences sometimes take Politics at AS as a way as adding breadth in their Lower Sixth year. The Subect is only available at Standard Level for those students taking the IB.

Aims of the Politics Department:

To develop the full potential of all pupils
To stimulate interest, excitement and enjoyment in the study of Politics
To facilitate the acquisition of a sound knowledge and understanding of the Subject
To nurture the ability to consider different interpretations and viewpoints
The use of evidence academically - to differentiate fact, opinion, judgement - and thereby detect bias
To train the mind in logical argument
To help student develop the ability to communicate in a clear and coherent form, both written and orally
To help each student achieve their full potential in public examinations, whether at AS/A2 or IB.