Politics
Studying A level Politics involves the comparison and critical analysis of the UK and US systems of government and politics.
You will analyse and evaluate key issues in politics around democracy, electoral systems and several core political ideologies as well as studying the workings or Parliament itself. You will develop the ability to be able to identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of politics. You will develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, political institutions and political processes.
You will question whether UK democracy is in need of an overhaul, you will study whether we should extend the franchise, the workings of the constitution and the machinations of government. The key issue is that all of the content is questioned, politics is a very critical subject.
The political knowledge, concepts, behaviours and institutions studied in any particular module can often be used and applied to new contexts in other parts of the course.
There is an expectation that politics students will have a good grasp of and the ability to keep up with, current issues.
Future opportunities: This course is particularly suited to those who want to progress into journalism, History, Law and Economics.
Entry requirements: You need to have a good range of GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including a grade 5 (or above) in English Language and a grade 4 (or above) in Maths. You do not need to have studied Politics, however a keen interest in current affairs is desirable.
The subject requires a high level of written ability, as the assessments consist of extended written answers. The ability to evaluate and analyse is essential.
We follow the Edexcel A Level Politics syllabus.
https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-a-levels/politics-2017.html
In common with most A level subjects, the course is assessed through three, two hour examinations at the end of Year 13.
