The newly-revised curriculum for Government and Politics will be available to Queenswood pupils at AS level from September 2008 and at A2 level from September 2009.

The AS level syllabus begins by introducing students to the study of politics before examining the way in which the United Kingdom is governed and exploring the changing nature of the political system within the context of the European Union.  There is a strong emphasis on contemporary politics and the study of current areas of constitutional concern. In total, the AS syllabus offers a structured foundation of political knowledge on which to develop skills for citizenship and further study, but it remains a coherent, satisfying, and worthwhile course of study for those who do not progress to at A2 level in the subject.

The A2 syllabus will examine the major political ideologies and offers students the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of aspects of the subject at a higher level using a more analytical approach. The department will aim to make the learning experience as stimulating as possible by using a wide variety of teaching methods within the classroom. This approach will be supplemented by a programme of study visits which will include excursions to the sites of political interest as well as revision workshops for AS and A2 courses held in central London.

In addition to the introduction of a new academic subject, the newly-founded Government and Politics Society was launched by the Principal, Mrs Pauline Edgar, who gave an introductory lecture in the Old Queenswoodian lecture theatre on 18 September.  The remainder of the programme for 2007-08 includes the following speakers:

27 November    Dorothy Thornhill, Elected Mayor of Watford (Liberal Democrat): the role of local government

15 January       Lord Clarke of Hampstead (Labour): the role of the House of Lords

11 March         Rt Hon Peter Lilley MP (Conservative): the role of the House of Commons

These events are open to staff, pupils, parents, and Old Queenswoodians alike.  If you require any further information about the Government and Politics Society please feel free to contact Mrs Susan Scriven on (01707) 602667 or get in touch by email at susan.scriven@queenswood.org .  We look forward to meeting you in the near future.

Andrew Forrest, Head of History and Politics