Read this interview with our History teacher and EPQ supervisor, Mr B Crozier at Blackheath High secondary school.

How long have you been teaching Government and Politics at Blackheath High School? 

I have been teaching here for five years.

Can you tell us about your background?

I don’t live in London! I live in leafy Kent. Actually, the part I live is not particularly leafy but if you want to imagine rolling fields of apple orchards and hops then please do. I studied History at the University of Leeds with a particular emphasis on American History and Politics. Career wise: I spent ten years or so in a boys grammar school in the Medway towns rising to become Head of History, Classics and Politics.

What is covered in Government and Politics? What are your students working on at the moment?

Government and Politics explores a wide range of fascinating topics. We explore how Parliament works and whether are elections really work to create a true representation of will of the people. We also studied American politics and we gauge the effectiveness of pressure groups like black lives matter and also how effective their Congress is. The other topic we look at is the evolution of Political thought. This involves seeing how Conservatives, Feminists, Liberals and Socialists view human nature and the role of the state.

Is it a popular choice of subject?

It is an increasingly popular subject possibly due to the exciting political times we live in! At Sixth Form Open Evening I was deluged with questions from potential students and parents eager to see what topics we explored.

What are the benefits of studying this subject?

Politics as a subject links well and gives pupils a deeper understanding in topics such as Economics, English, Geography, History and Psychology. The subject also gives pupils a grounding in the basis of English law which is obviously useful for students wishing to consider a degree or career in Law. Many of our students take the subject onto university studying either a degree in Politics or one in International Relations.

What are the benefits of studying Government and Politics at Blackheath High School? What is unique about Government and Politics here?

The subject is the only one I can think up where lessons get torn up in the morning before I teach them as all the examples I was going to talk about go out the window as the latest news from Westminster or Washington changes everything. Politics is all about keeping abreast of the news that is happening right now. As we live in such interesting times pupils have watched Supreme Court judgements live and had to decide what it means for our Prime Minister and Constitution and had debates as to whether the President should be impeached. 

Is there a particular aspect of the course that students tend to enjoy?

Students love getting to grips with the complexities of the ever-changing landscape of modern Politics. I tend to find that students really enjoy working out why people vote as they do is it their economic background, age or something more complex?