Politics

Politics is everywhere, and it assumes many forms. We can neither ignore its importance nor escape its influence. Like history, it affects us all, whether we choose to notice it or not. At the most obvious level, Politics is all about the interactions between people in society: it's in the pages of our newspapers, it's on our television screens; it's politicians kissing babies and waving to camera, armed with a small arsenal of once-inspirational slogans; and it's the endless round of elections, leadership challenges, debates, scandals, threats, promises, rants, acts, actions and bills which make up modern Government.

But on another level Politics is something far more universal than the distant proceedings of eccentric men and women with questionable business interests. Whenever a tabloid rumour sparks a witch-hunt, whenever a demonstration turns into a riot, whenever ideals and reality, people and principles clash, Politics is happening. And it is happening all the time.

As an A Level subject, Politics offers students an unparalleled opportunity to look at the driving forces of our society, and to ask - and be equipped to answer - the same questions which are being asked in Whitehall and Washington. As well as a chance to get under the bonnet of contemporary government, the fast pace of change and the packed schedule of departmental events mean that, for anyone with a healthy interest in the Whats, Whos and Whys of current affairs, Politics is never dull, and often provides surprising and wide-ranging opportunities, now and later in life.

Biographies

David Clark, BA (Hons) Exeter, MPhil in Education (Cambridge), PGCE (Cambridge), Head of Politics, Assistant Head (External Relations)

David was appointed in 1996 and originally taught History across all year groups up to year 11. He is particularly renowned for his collection of historical artefacts and costumes. David became Head of Politics in 1999 and was appointed Assistant Head (External Relations) in 2008.

Tom Murphy, MA (Oxon.), Deputy Head Curriculum, Teacher of Politics

Tom joined the school in 1998 and taught History across all year groups and Politics in the Sixth Form. His specialisms are too numerous to mention but what he doesn’t know about early modern history and American politics, for example, is not worth knowing. Tom is a ‘very’ senior examiner for Edexcel. Other responsibilities: Tom is Deputy Head (Curriculum).

Toby Cooper MA AKC PGCE (Durham) Second in the History Department and Teacher of Politics

Toby studied History at undergraduate and postgraduate level at King’s College London, specialising in Medieval History for his MA, whilst also being elected an associate after passing the relevant theological and philosophical exams. Toby went on to take his PGCE at Durham University in 2005 and joined Caterham in September 2010 after five years working at Epsom College. He is an experienced A Level examiner for Edexcel Politics. Toby teaches History across the age ranges including A Level, teaches Politics at A Level and is a tutor in Harestone House. He also leads the Politics Society and coaches cricket.