Politics and Parliament

An understanding of the role of parliament and the policies and beliefs of the major political parties is essential not only for your GS exam but also for your own general knowledge

First off, the sites of the three main parties. What are their headline topics ?
Do they really fit in with what the ‘man in the street’ is concerned about.
For example, surveys show that local issues are uppermost in most people’s minds .
Are the parties more concerned with the ‘big picture’ ?

Conservative Party

Labour Party

Liberal Democrats

Now onto specific policies. Each party has a particular stance on a wide variety of issues. You should be able to summarise these , at least in outline terms. I’ve picked what are probably the current major topics. What are the differences in each case ?; What are the similarities ?; Do the opposition parties simply have contrary policies because they are ‘the opposition’ ?

You may like to explore their sites further for other issues for example immigration, ID Cards, environment, public services etc

Health
Labour Policy
Conservative Policy
Lib-Dems Policy

Crime
Labour Policy
Conservative Policy
Lib-Dems Policy

Education
Labour Policy
Conservative Policy
Lib-Dems Policy

Now onto Parliament itself…
This is an extraordinarily complex institution, steeped in tradition. These links will give you some insight into its workings

Explore Parliament
Although much of this site is aimed at younger students, there is still a great deal of useful information to be gleaned.
Yes, you can play the games !

Parliament Videos
These videos provide an excellent overview of parliament and its everyday operation and function Do set aside some time to watch some of these

Parliament explained booklets
This series of booklets (in PDF format) cover a good range of topics. If time is short the ‘Introduction to… ‘ is a good start

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Set the video
The Politics Show
BBC2 Sunday 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm 30mins
Andrew Neil and Jenny Scott present the political stories of the week . You can alos watch the latest show on line here
Go Out
I know its a long way, but some of you may be in London . If you get a chance, do visit the Houses of Parliament. It is much more fascinating than you may think

Is it Art ?

A sweep through culture and controversy, Some things to think about

• What is Art ?

• What do artists do ?

• What artists do you like ?, why ?

• Has the nature of what constitutes Art changed in past 50 years

• Is a modern art installation as ‘artistic’ as , say, the ‘Mona Lisa’

These links will take you across a wide range of tastes and themes. Explore the sites carefully. Look at the images, , do they provoke an emotion, what did the artist want the viewer to think when he/she created these pieces.

Papal on Pink

Is this art ? Does it offend/amuse. What is the artist’s purpose in creating this ?

Constable

Is this different to the works above , Why ?. Is it more artistic ? or just different ?

Banksy

A “Guerrilla” artist. His work , even though he does not describe himself as an artist, is designed to provoke. Look for the ‘indoor’  vandalised oil paintings
Warning some images on this site may offend

The Unilever Series: Rachel Whiteread

This was a  major piece of what is known as installation art in Tate modern. What are your views about this

Turner Prize

This is one of the most prestigious prizes in the art world. The artists and their works always provoke controversy about the nature of art.
Explore this site look at some of the images of the short listed artists’ work

A crack in the Tate
So is this art ? A new istallation at the Tate
Watch video

Create you own Art
Yes, I know, you are far too old and sophisticated for this, but have a go… You know you want to

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Go Out
Compton Verney 
A famous local gallery
You should try to visit this (or another local gallery) Look around, which pieces do you like, / what pieces are popular ?

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Set the Video
Saturday 6/10/07 Channel 4 20:00 
The RIBA Stirling Prize 2007 Live: Building of the Year
Which building will win the year’s most prestigious award in UK architecture? Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud hosts live coverage of the announcement from the Roundhouse in Camden, North London.

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…and finally . Is this art ?