Politics Summer School
This three-day Summer School offers an exciting combination of the practical activities including a Mock Parliament, seminars on key topics in political philosophy, workshops on political campaigning and how elections are fought in the UK, and a tour of the Houses of Parliament.
The first day will incorporate on an introduction to the main players and issues of British politics, with plenty of opportunity for questions and discussions, and will also look at some of the fundamental debates in political philosophy, with seminars on the nature of liberty and equality. The day will close with a look at the tactics of political campaigning.
Day 2 will involve a mock parliament in which students take the roles of ministers and backbench MPs to discuss various budget proposals to deal with the current financial problems. Participants must balance their own personal political convictions with the official position of their party group as well as considering the opinion poll data from their individual constituency. This will be followed by a seminar on the principles and challenges of representative democracy. Should your MP merely be a mouthpiece for the views of his or her constituents, or should they exercise their own judgment, even if that view may be unpopular? In the afternoon we will look at the political theory and legislative reality which underpin modern understandings of human rights in the UK and other states.
On the final day students will tour the seat of British democracy at Westminster, getting a chance to stand at the dispatch boxes in the House of Commons, and to learn about the history, structure and role of the UK Parliament. In the afternoon we will look at the role and strategies of pressure groups, from large, long-established organisations like Save the Children or Greenpeace, to relatively new arrivals like the Occupy Movement.
This event is great for anyone who is interested in a political career, or who would like to know how to get more involved or informed about the world around them. It is particularly recommended for anyone considering Politics, PPE or related disciplines at university.
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University of London Union • 26th – 28th July 2012 • open to students aged 15-18
Feedback from Debate Chamber politics events – read more here:
“A fantastic introduction to the structure of the House of Commons and the nature of debate, allowing students to combine theoretical knowledge of political theory with pragmatic application.”
“This was definitely one of the most interesting and enjoyable few days I have experienced and I would love to do it again. It is a different and brilliant way to learn whilst also enjoying yourself.”
“The whole experience was lots of fun whilst at the same time the course content was stimulating and comprehensive. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in politics.”
“I had a brilliant three days on the course and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone interested in studying politics at university.”
“Very good. I learned a lot. I especially enjoyed the mock parliament.”
“I found it incredibly useful, the way in which reading lists and article recommendations were given.”
Book a place:
The price of the Politics Summer School is £210 per student for three days. Please note that accommodation is not included, and must be arranged independently if required. Bookings for any event may be made by individual students or parents or through the school. To book a place or places at the Politics Summer School, or if you have any further questions, simply call on 0845 519 4827 or email info@debatechamber.com, or use the form below.
Debate Chamber offers a limited number of full and partial bursaries to students who could not otherwise afford to attend. If you are applying for a bursary please do not complete this form, but instead complete the ‘Bursary Application Form’ here.