United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets
Year 12 Politics.
This Year 12 Politics curriculum introduces students to the dynamic nature of the UK political system and the core ideologies that shape modern governance. Students will critically analyse democratic participation, the structure of UK government, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
01UK Politics and Participation
An exploration of how citizens engage with the political process in the UK, covering elections, parties, and voting behaviour.
An exploration of the nature of democracy in the UK, including direct and representative democracy. Students will evaluate the current state of political participation and the franchise.
Analysis of the roles, functions, and funding of political parties in the UK. Students will examine the development of the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties.
A comparative study of different electoral systems used in the UK, including First Past the Post (FPTP) and proportional representation systems. Students will assess the impact of these systems on party representation.
An investigation into the factors that influence voting behaviour, including class, age, and region. Students will also analyse the role of the media in shaping political outcomes.
02UK Government
A detailed examination of the legislative and executive branches of the UK government, focusing on where power lies and how it is scrutinised.
An examination of the nature and sources of the UK constitution. Students will debate the advantages and disadvantages of an uncodified constitution.
A detailed look at the structure, role, and functions of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Students will evaluate how effectively Parliament holds the executive to account.
Analysis of the structure and role of the executive branch, focusing on the powers of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Students will explore the concept of prime ministerial power.
An exploration of the relationship between the executive, the legislature, and the judiciary. Students will assess where sovereignty truly lies within the UK political system.
03Core Political Ideas
An introduction to the foundational ideologies that have shaped modern political thought and party policies in the UK.
An introduction to the core principles of conservatism, including tradition, human imperfection, and organic society. Students will differentiate between traditional, one-nation, and New Right conservatism.
A study of the foundational ideas of liberalism, focusing on individualism, freedom, and the state. Students will compare classical liberalism with modern liberalism.
An examination of socialist principles such as collectivism, equality, and social class. Students will explore the ideological divide between revolutionary socialism, social democracy, and the Third Way.
04Rights, Liberties, and the State
An investigation into how citizens' rights are protected in the UK, the role of the judiciary, and the evolving nature of the state through devolution.
An investigation into the protection of civil liberties and human rights in the UK. Students will evaluate the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on citizens and the state.
A detailed study of the UK judiciary, focusing on judicial independence, neutrality, and the role of the Supreme Court. Students will assess the growing political significance of judges.
An exploration of the process and impact of devolution in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Students will debate the future of the Union and the potential for further constitutional reform.