Politics (A Level)

Why study Politics?

Politics is the subject which tries to understand who makes the key decisions in society and how those individuals or institutions are influenced. Politicians make the laws that shape everyone’s lives. Whether a country is at peace or war, the nature of the political system, the economic character of society and its moral values - all are profoundly shaped by politics. To study politics is to learn about how mankind can shape its destiny.

Entry Requirements

In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:

GCSE English – grade 4

No previous knowledge of Politics is required.

The Course

Politics is the study of power. Students learn about the political systems of the UK and the USA and have the opportunity to examine the most important political developments of the time. The course places an emphasis on contemporary affairs and current areas of constitutional concern, putting the UK in the context of the wider world. Students will develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes. A key objective of the course is to enable students to develop an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics.

Course Activities

Students learn through a variety of activities, including:

Class discussions and presentations.
Watching a range of topical and relevant TV programmes.
Note-taking.
Audio and video worksheets.
Internet research.
Trips to Sixth Formers Politics Conferences and the House of Commons.
Homework assignments and regular exam question practice.
Voluntary support sessions and extension learning activities, for interested students.
‘Question Time’ sessions in class with visiting MPs.
A rich variety of learning activities including current affairs quizzes.

We recommend that you devote 4.5 hours of private study time per week to this subject

Career and Progression Opportunities

Politics is a highly regarded qualification and helps prepare students for careers in the legal profession, journalism and the media, the Civil Service, education, management, business and, of course, local and national politics.

Course Structure and Assessment

The syllabus is divided into three equally-weighted components, which will be studied over two years.

Module title and content

Assessment

UK Politics 1. Political participation. Students will study:

Democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.

2. Core political ideas. Students will study:

Conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Two-hour written examination.
One 30-mark source question from a choice
of two.
One 30-mark question from a choice of two.
One 24-mark question from a choice of two.

UK Government
1. UK Government. Students will study:

The constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive,
relationships between the branches.
2. Optional political ideas. Students will study:
Nationalism.

Two-hour written
examination.

One 30-mark source question from a choice
of two.
One 30-mark question from a choice of two.
One 24-mark question from a choice of two.

Comparative Politics
For USA (component code 3A), students will study:

The US constitution and federalism, US Congress,
US presidency, US Supreme Court, democracy and participation,
civil rights.

Two-hour written examination.

One 12-mark question from a choice of two.
One compulsory 12-mark question.
Two 30-mark questions from a choice of three.

Additional Information

Examination Board: Pearson Edexcel (9PLO)

Case Study