Overview

A Level Politics lends itself to students who have a genuine interest in current affairs, and who are equipped with an ability to analyse and evaluate questions logically, using relevant supporting evidence and take part in detailed discussions. In Unit 1, Students will examine the concepts of Democracy and Participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. They will also explore political ideologies including Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism. In Unit 2, they will study the impact of the UK Constitution, Parliament, the Executive, and the UK Supreme Court and assess the ideology of Feminism. In Unit 3, students will study American politics and compare structural, cultural and rational similarities and differences between the two political systems. Politics is an exciting and ever-changing subject that is always relevant and up to date. It equips students with an understanding of the different ways of resolving conflicts and how to influence issues in society and culminates in a greater understanding of the world and political sphere around us.

KS5 Intent Statement

Our KS5 Politics curriculum is a rich, wide-ranging and challenging curriculum that will develop students understanding of contemporary political institutions, processes and theory. Students will follow the Edexcel A Level specification which reflects the demands of a modern and evolving political environment, both in the United Kingdom and the United States. Students gain a deep understanding of key political themes and ideologies that thread through the foundations of both British and American politics. In Year 12 students will study the nature and structure of UK politics from analysing and understanding voting behaviour to evaluating the strength of the different branches of government. This will be accompanied by an engaging analysis of the three defining ideologies of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism and the continually evolving ideas of Feminism. This subject knowledge prepares with the core principles to approach the comparative challenges of studying US Politics in Year 13, ultimately concluding in students being able to compare and contrast key themes and principles within both political systems.

Furthermore, Politics aims to inspire students further in their learning, beyond the taught curriculum with a programme of further higher-level reading from a range of sources including political scientists, commentators and politicians. There are also outside of the classroom opportunities, guest speakers, Top University events for students to engage further interests.

Students can further develop their political skills of analysis and evaluation through a range of different assessment objectives, that challenge students to consider the high level debate questions posed within the political sphere. Not only this, but politics also requires students to engage with aspects of Economics, Law and Public policy, culminating in a well-rounded understanding and well-established perspective on Political opinion.

Qualification Details

Exam Board: Edexcel
Qualification Title: Politics
Qualification Specification Code: 9PL0
Qualification Webpage: Click here to visit the Edexcel webpage for the specification.

Entry Requirements

Standard Sixth Form entry requirements

What will I study in this qualification?

The summary of components is as follows:

• Unit 1: UK Politics

• Unit 2: UK Government

• Unit 3: Comparative Politics

Possible Career Paths

Government & Politics lends itself to a variety of degree courses including Law, International Relations, History, Economics Journalism, Business and Finance and of course Politics. It supports careers where analytical skills are essential, for example management, finance, government, industry and business environments.