Politics A Level

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING SUBJECT INFO MASTER PAGE

Politics

A Level                                                              Exam Board: Edexcel

Examination requirements:

A grade 6 in English Language or English Literature and a grade 7 in one of the humanities.

Career opportunities:

A Level Politics is a highly regarded qualification. It is particularly relevant for those wishing to study Politics or International Relations at university, two of the fastest growing degree subjects in the country. A Level Politics is also one of the best options for those considering a Law degree. As well as learning the process of government and studying political issues and debates in the UK and USA, you will develop transferable skills of analysis, evaluation and research methodology. A Level Politics will also help you to become a more empathetic and compassionate young person.

These skills will be directly relevant to those seeking to pursue careers in law, business, the civil service, the public sector, the media, publishing and academic research, amongst many others.

Structure of course:

In the Lower Sixth students study two units, British government and British politics. The politics unit covers the ideas of democracy and participation, the party structure, the role of elections, voting behaviour and the role of the media in elections. The government side covers the UK constitution, Parliament, the executive, the judiciary and the inter-relationship of these branches. There are also sections on the key political ideas of conservatism, socialism, liberalism and feminism.

In the Upper Sixth, the course considers the comparative nature of British and American politics. In addition to learning about the workings of the American political system, including the Constitution, political representation, elections, the Supreme Court, the presidency and Congress, students will learn to make comparisons between the British and American systems.

Assessment is based on three exams, each two hours in length, sat at the end of the Upper Sixth. The course provides a fascinating insight into the political systems and cultures operating on both sides of the Atlantic.

Unit 1

British Politics:

• UK Elections
• The role of the media in elections
• Political participation and democracy
• Political parties
• Political ideas: conservatism, socialism, liberalism

  Unit 2

British Government:

• The nature of the UK constitution and reforms
• The UK Parliament: Commons & Lords
• The UK Executive: the roles of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
• The inter-relationship of the branches and the role of rights and the judiciary
• Feminism

 

Unit 3

Comparative Politics (USA)

• The American political system, covering:
• The Constitution
• Supreme Court
• Congress
• Presidency
• Elections
• Representation
• Race Relations
• Skills of comparison and analysis between the British and American political systems

 

Why study Politics?

With the aftermath of Brexit, a new Monarch, new Prime Minister and upcoming elections in the US, there has never been a more interesting or important time to study politics. Not only will you gain a high quality academic qualification, but you will be fully immersed and engaged in the study of the ever changing world.The dpeartment has supported students who have gone on to achieve excellent results, 87% A*-A and 100% A* B last year. The student run Preview magazine gives students the chance to submit an article on any current affairs topic of their choosing and MUN is a great opportunity to debate and come up with creative solutions to global problems.

 

CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO SIXTH FORM OPEN EVENING SUBJECT INFO MASTER PAGE