Why should I study A Level Politics? Politics is very relevant in a changing world and this is a very exciting time to study it with considerable turbulence in British politics and in the US and significant global challenges like climate change, growing protection in trade and inequalities in income and wealth. Politics is a well-established and well respected A Level, which develops literacy, critical thinking, analysis and research skills. It goes well with Economics, History, Law, Psychology and Sociology, but other subjects as well. The Politics department favours a number of contemporary approaches to delivering learning, including experiential learning, oracy strategies and ‘flip learning’ to develop independent learning skills and ensure rapid progress through the course. Each topic of the course is supported by a workbook which will contain all the materials students will need to enhance their learning. Students enjoy the annual trip to Parliament, which contextualises what they are learning. Course Overview The course aims to introduce students to a truly modern and evolving political environment in the UK and around the world, support them in developing an understanding of politics and the most engaging contemporary debates in the UK, and to develop their skills in critical thinking and analysis. Component 1 (UK Politics and Core Political Ideas): Students will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the UK’s democracy, the electoral system, the mainstream political parties and the development and application of political ideas. Component 2 (UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas): Students will explore the nature of government in the UK, which will lead them to an understanding of where, how and who makes political decisions. This component introduces debates surrounding the nature of the UK’s constitution, the roles of parliament, government and the judiciary, and the relationships between them. Finally, students will examine one political idea: feminism, arguably the most intellectual, relevant and successful of all modern ideologies. Component 3 (Comparative Politics - Government and Politics of the USA): Students will explore the US constitution and the arguments surrounding this guiding document of US democracy. Further, they will learn about how power in the USA is distributed and exercised. Finally, students will judge whether ‘liberty and justice for all’ has been achieved in the USA. What can I do afterwards? A qualification in Politics is valuable to anyone aiming to enter Higher Education, whatever the course for which they apply, however it is particularly relevant to courses such as Political Studies, Philosophy, Business and Economics, Law, Sociology, Social Policy Making, Comparative Studies, International Relations or History. Politics is appropriate for those interested in a career in the civil service, journalism and the media, management consultancy, marketing, law local government, public relations or social work
Course Entry Requirements This course requires a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Government & Politics, if taken. Otherwise a Grade 5 or above in any GCSE Humanities subject. If no Humanities GCSEs were taken a Grade 5 or above GCSE English (in exceptional circumstances, a Grade 4 will be considered.)
Assessment Format The Politics A Level is all exam-based. There is no coursework. There are three written examination papers taken at the end of the second year. Each two-hour examination consists of short questions and essays.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Surrey |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | Tithepit Shaw Lane, Warlingham, CR6 9YB |
Why should I study A Level Politics? Politics is very relevant in a changing world and this is a very exciting time to study it with considerable turbulence in British politics and in the US and significant global challenges like climate change, growing protection in trade and inequalities in income and wealth. Politics is a well-established and well respected A Level, which develops literacy, critical thinking, analysis and research skills. It goes well with Economics, History, Law, Psychology and Sociology, but other subjects as well. The Politics department favours a number of contemporary approaches to delivering learning, including experiential learning, oracy strategies and ‘flip learning’ to develop independent learning skills and ensure rapid progress through the course. Each topic of the course is supported by a workbook which will contain all the materials students will need to enhance their learning. Students enjoy the annual trip to Parliament, which contextualises what they are learning. Course Overview The course aims to introduce students to a truly modern and evolving political environment in the UK and around the world, support them in developing an understanding of politics and the most engaging contemporary debates in the UK, and to develop their skills in critical thinking and analysis. Component 1 (UK Politics and Core Political Ideas): Students will explore the strengths and weaknesses of the UK’s democracy, the electoral system, the mainstream political parties and the development and application of political ideas. Component 2 (UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas): Students will explore the nature of government in the UK, which will lead them to an understanding of where, how and who makes political decisions. This component introduces debates surrounding the nature of the UK’s constitution, the roles of parliament, government and the judiciary, and the relationships between them. Finally, students will examine one political idea: feminism, arguably the most intellectual, relevant and successful of all modern ideologies. Component 3 (Comparative Politics - Government and Politics of the USA): Students will explore the US constitution and the arguments surrounding this guiding document of US democracy. Further, they will learn about how power in the USA is distributed and exercised. Finally, students will judge whether ‘liberty and justice for all’ has been achieved in the USA. What can I do afterwards? A qualification in Politics is valuable to anyone aiming to enter Higher Education, whatever the course for which they apply, however it is particularly relevant to courses such as Political Studies, Philosophy, Business and Economics, Law, Sociology, Social Policy Making, Comparative Studies, International Relations or History. Politics is appropriate for those interested in a career in the civil service, journalism and the media, management consultancy, marketing, law local government, public relations or social work
Course Entry Requirements This course requires a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Government & Politics, if taken. Otherwise a Grade 5 or above in any GCSE Humanities subject. If no Humanities GCSEs were taken a Grade 5 or above GCSE English (in exceptional circumstances, a Grade 4 will be considered.)
Assessment Format The Politics A Level is all exam-based. There is no coursework. There are three written examination papers taken at the end of the second year. Each two-hour examination consists of short questions and essays.