‘Politics is war by other means’. Politics exists because people disagree; they disagree about how they should live (moral questions), about who should get what (resource questions) and about who should make decisions (power questions). For the Greek philosopher Aristotle, politics was the ‘master science’: that is, nothing less than the activity through which people try to improve their lives and create the ‘good society’.

Politics is designed for students who have an interest in the world around them — ones who want to know more about the society they live in, how it works and how it could work. It is for students who enjoy debate, discussion and argument — ones who are comfortable with the fact that in politics there are no simple ‘rights’ or ‘wrongs’ and for students who like to think for themselves — ones who want to develop their own views, rather than accept the views of others.

EdExel A Level Course Modules

What Students say

“I just wanted to say that I will never ever forget the trip to the United Nations in Geneva. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end my time at New Hall. I am so so grateful for everything Politics has done for me and everything Politics has showed me – Politics is part of my life because of New Hall and it is because of Politics that I will be doing a degree I’m passionate about. You have no idea how grateful I am to Politics and how it has created my love for our subject – it has truly changed my life and I will never ever be able to extend enough gratitude to Politics. Thank you for this trip, thank you for everything.” – Year 13 Student

“I am writing to say thank you so much for everything Politics have done for me. I have never in my life felt the encouragement and passion from the Politics Department. I am yet to figure out what the hell I am doing with my life, but I know I know it will be studying International Relations and Politics  – I am confident that is what I want to do – I am waiting for the right moment #StartLifeStartYoungStartPolitics.

“Politics has inspired me to have my own back even if everyone else disagrees. Standing up for what is right is necessary. Being the only one to think something has never been said before is not something to shy away from.” – Year 12 Student

“This. Is. Politics. These were three words I heard almost every day in the relentless attempt at inspiring us all to be active citizens. No matter what ideas or problems we brought to the table, they were received with solutions. I founded the African and Carribean Society, a cause close to my heart. I was able to represent the Green Party of England and Wales. While many students spent their weekends seeking cognitive rest, we spent ours seeking cognitive stimulation; debating amongst the best schools in the country. Whether it was pizza and palaver with Eton’s Feminist Society, or leading a motion for a resolution by the Committee on Culture and Education, we pursued knowledge and intellectual discussion every chance we got. Within the Politics Department I found a community of pupils and educators who understood that every debate was a unique opportunity to learn. We sought learning for the sake of learning and through this collective love of Politics created an everlasting bond.” – Year 13 Student

Politics & International Relations Trip to Geneva

This trip includes a behind-the-scenes visit of the United Nations’ European Headquarters at work, and a visit to the inspirational museum of the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

We have the opportunity to visit and take part in workshops with a number of agencies – Environment, People and Place: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, The United Nations Environment Programme Economics and Finance: The World Trade Organization, The International Trade Centre, The World Bank; Health: The World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières; European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN).

Due to the highly educational value of this trip, all students will automatically qualify for the widely recognised ASDAN Universities Award.

Head of Politics: Mr A. Bowman [email protected]

Instagram: @newhallpolitics