Politics

A Level Politics

About A Level Politics

Entry requirements:

No specific GCSE requirements beyond the standard criteria.

Good essay writing skills are an advantage.

‘May you live in interesting times’ – An ancient Chinese Curse

Do you have an opinion on Brexit? What do you think of recent American politics?

Politics is a dynamic subject. ‘A week is a long time in politics’ as Wilson is often quoted, today that could so easily be ‘a day is a long time in politics’. So, although no prior knowledge is assumed, it is essential students have avid interest in Politics. We expect students of this subject to have lively enquiring minds, a liking for debate and argument and a willingness to develop their understanding of Politics via independent viewing and reading of suitable media. Students need to be good communicators with an ability to present a case clearly on paper including essay writing skills.

Course Content:

We follow the AQA Politics Syllabus.

A Level course content: Each paper is a 2-hour examination at the end of Year 13

Examination Paper	Course Content
Paper 1: Government and Politics of the UK	Government: The nature and sources of the British Constitution; the structure and role of Parliament; The Prime Minister and Cabinet; The Judiciary; Devolution Politics of the UK: Democracy and participation; Elections and Referendums; Political parties; Pressure groups; The European Union
Paper 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics	Government and Politics of the USA: The constitutional framework of US government; Congress; The President; the Supreme Court; the Electoral Process and direct Democracy; Political Parties; Pressure Groups; Civil rights Comparative Politics: a structural, rational and cultural comparison of the politics of the UK and the USA
Paper 3: Political Ideas	Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism

 

Students learn to research ideas, collect evidence, find examples, analyse, challenge and

reach conclusions. It is a dynamic course based on current events and controversies as well

as basic institutions and theories of the political system and political ideologies. A Level Politics students have to be critical readers of the press. If possible, in addition they should use television and the Internet as sources of research. This is an A Level which relies on new technology as a tool.

 

Other activities that involve the students include a programme of lectures from visiting

respected professors of politics and Members of Parliament, visits to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster. Many Politics students have participated in our Model United Nations programme – an excellent opportunity to develop their analytical and debating skills. We are also taking students to Washington DC and the White House to study the American Congress in 2025.

Higher Educations and Careers:

Many of our students are choosing to continue their study of Politics at University, some

combining it with History, American Studies or Sociology. It is regarded as a useful training

for Journalism, Law and Public Administration.