Politics

Students who choose CCEA GCE Government and Politics will explore how power is exercised, decisions are made, and citizens participate in UK and NI. They will study the structure and functions of government, including Parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and political parties, as well as elections, voting behaviour, and the role of pressure groups and the media. In Northern Ireland, students will examine the Assembly, power-sharing, local political parties, and key issues such as identity, sectarianism, and policy debates. The course also introduces political ideologies and theories in A2. The course is designed to help students understand democracy, authority, and citizenship.

Through this study, pupils develop critical thinking, analysis, and evaluation skills, gaining a deeper understanding of politics both locally and nationally.

Pupils will undertake a two-year study of Government and Politics with a study of:

AS Unit 1: The Government and Politics of Northern Ireland.

AS Unit 2: British Political Process.

A2 Unit 1 Option B A comparative study of the Government and Politics of the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom.

A2 Unit 2: Option A: Political Power.

Beyond the classroom, Post-16 Politics students can bring their learning to life through a range of exciting activities. They can take part in debates, mock elections, visit the Northern Ireland Assembly or UK Parliament, and meet politicians to see government in action. Students can also engage in community projects, voter awareness campaigns or join the Youth assembly. We are lucky to currently have two KS3 NI youth assembly Reps.

These experiences help pupils develop critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership skills, while gaining a deeper understanding of politics locally, nationally, and internationally.

As a result of the valuable learning experience received in the History and Politics Department, it is not unusual to see many of our student’s transition into higher level education to study courses in the field of social science(s) for example:

Politics
History
Law
Social Policy
Sociology
Criminology
Philosophy
Journalism