Members of Department

Ms C McMullan

Department Vision & Aims
Few subjects are as relevant to our everyday lives as Government and Politics. We believe that Politics affords students the opportunity to investigate, understand and appreciate key political issues, events and personalities and helps them to recognise the influence that these have had in shaping our world today.

General Aims
Formal study of Government and Politics encourages students to develop clear understanding and knowledge of the political systems in which they live. It facilitates involvement as active citizens who can critically evaluate political institutions and forums. It helps to prepare our students for careers in law, business, finance government services and politics.

Specific Aims
The Government and Politics department aims to:

• To develop knowledge and understanding of a range of political systems.
• Develop in students an understanding of various political perspectives while reserving the right to support or oppose them.
• To give each student the confidence to share and debate their own opinions and develop a respect for the opinions of others.
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political systems of the UK and how they differ from other political systems.
• Develop a critical awareness of the nature of Politics and the connection between political ideas, institutions and processes.
• Facilitate engagement in the political process and active involvement in contemporary Politics.
• To encourage students to become independent learners.
• Produce excellent academic results by delivering CCEA specifications at AS and A2 Level

Learning
Government and Politics is taught at AS and A2 levels. Students study 2 units in each year. The course is taught by Mrs S. Quigley and Mr S. Westcott.

Year 13 and year 14 students have attended conferences delivered by eminent politicians and academics on topics relevant to the AS or A Level course. Year 13 students visit Stormont annually and have taken part in both Spotlight and BBC Question Time. Year 14 students have organised and chaired their own Question Time event. Students have also taken part in the Newry, Mourne and Down local democracy week activities. We regularly invite local politicians, MPs, MLAs and Councillors, into school to speak to our students.