Politics

Despite reports of political apathy and disengagement amongst teenagers this subject is thriving at City, reflected in a high uptake for A-level and a flourishing Politics Society. A significant number of boys choose to apply for Politics courses at University and it is unusual for a year to pass without a successful Oxbridge PPE or SPS application.

We are struck by how knowledgeable the boys are about contemporary politics and the passion with which they approach the subject. They are rarely satisfied with pat explanations and fierce debate dominates lessons. Refreshingly, a wide range of views and attitudes are represented amongst the students; this reflects the wonderful diversity that is a feature of the school.

The Politics Society, run entirely by the boys, is arguably one of the most successful in the school. Speakers meet the committee for lunch, then address a wider audience and answer questions. Although the boys show appropriate respect, they are not afraid to pursue a robust line of questioning – this is encouraged. For further information, including last year's speakers, click here.

At AS Level we aim to encourage students to firstly develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes. Secondly, acquire a knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the United Kingdom, and how these may differ from those of other political systems. Finally, we hope to develop an informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual and encourage an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics. If boys pursue the subject in the Senior Sixth they are able to choose between studying US Politics or Political Ideologies.