4 minute read
Government & Politics at Trinity
Ollie Hutchings – Head of History and Politics
At Trinity, Politics has become one of the largest humanities subjects at A-level, with our students grappling with the complex global challenges that define our times. While much of the focus in schools is on American politics, our curriculum centres on global politics. Our students are not just analysing the implications of the 2024 US election but exploring critical global issues such as climate change, interstate warfare, rising inequality and the fight for human equality across nations.
We believe that politics cannot be ‘taught’ in the traditional sense - it requires active engagement and critical discourse. This is where our student-led Politics Society (PolSoc) thrives, offering a platform for students to explore political issues beyond the classroom. Over the past year, PolSoc has hosted over 27 student presentations, welcomed four external speakers, and organised two mock elections, all showcasing the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of our students.
The topics tackled by PolSoc are diverse and thought-provoking, ranging from Metairony and Cultural Homogenisation to analysing what the Barbie movie reveals about feminism and capitalism. Students have examined the electoral success of Reform UK through data analysis, discussed the future of African politics, explored the intersection of football and politics, and considered how urban design can influence social behaviour. Their ability to approach these complex issues with insight is always inspiring. As a teacher, I find the learning process reciprocal - there is just as much for me to take away as there is for them.
Politics at Trinity isn’t just about exam success - it’s about fostering a lifelong engagement with the world. If you are an alum with an interest in global affairs, we would love to hear from you. Whether you want to share your experiences, contribute to our network of speakers or simply join the conversation, PolSoc is proof that the best learning happens when curious minds come together.
Robin Hardman – Teacher of History and Politics
One of my favourite parts of the A-level course is the Political Ideas module, in which we explore the development of liberalism, socialism, and conservatism, as well as optional ideologies like feminism or anarchism. These topics encourage critical thinking about human nature, social and economic inequality and the role of the state in individual freedom.
While Politics has grown in popularity in the Sixth Form, we also aim to engage younger students politically, preparing them to fulfil their democratic responsibilities. Our academic scholars’ breakfasts offer a forum for discussing political philosophy, such as the state’s role in supporting the less fortunate. Recently, we hosted seminars on the US presidential election, analysing the Electoral College and the campaign strategies of Trump and Harris.
Julian Timm – Teacher of History and Politics
The UK side of the Government and Politics course focuses on the inner workings of our political system: What powers does the government hold? How effectively does parliament hold it to account? How fair is our electoral system and what influences voting behaviour?
This often sparks lively classroom debate and to bring the subject to life, all Lower Sixth students visit Westminster each year to see where the action happens. In recent years, we have also benefitted from the insights of Trinity alumnus Chris Shaw (Class of 1986). With his vast experience as a civil servant and current role as senior clerk to the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, Chris offers a unique perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the Westminster system.
Our most recent visit in January coincided with the opening day of the House of Lords debate on the Rwanda bill. While our lessons explore Parliament’s workings, nothing could match the intensity of the two hours of debate we witnessed that afternoon.
