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Politics
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Students will be able to:
• develop knowledge and understanding of the British and American political systems;
• formulate their own views on contemporary political developments;
• express their ideas in debate and discussion;
• develop their ability to construct an argument in essay form;
• compare and contrast different political systems, drawing general conclusions about the democratic political process;
• develop an understanding of the world today and the issues that shape the news.
A TWO YEAR A LEVEL COURSE, EXAMINED AT THE END OF YEAR 13.
WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW OR BE ABLE TO DO BEFORE TAKING POLITICS IN THE SIXTH FORM?
It is expected that students embarking on a sixth form course in Politics will have a grade 6 or better at GCSE in English and / or History.
Politics is a subject that requires students to analyse political systems and debate contemporary political issues. Students should feel confident in their ability to communicate their ideas on paper and have a desire to discuss and test their thinking with others. An interest in current affairs is essential.
WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS THIS COURSE SUITABLE FOR?
• students who enjoy following contemporary developments in the news
• students who want to develop their ability to organise information and construct persuasive and informed arguments both orally and on paper
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Students taking A Level Politics will also have a number of opportunities to engage with historical topics beyond the classroom. One such opportunity is a biennial trip in conjunction with the History department to the United States. On the trip students in Year 12 and Year 13 will visit the historic cities of Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia – the nation’s current and original capital cities – as part of their study of American politics. One highlight of the tour is a visit to the U.S. Capitol Building, the home of the U.S. Congress and scene of the infamous riots of January 2021, which will help students to gain an understanding of how the ‘leader of the free world’ has to work with so many other powerbrokers in the world’s most influential democracy. The trip takes place in the Autumn of even-numbered years meaning that students will have the chance to observe the last frantic weeks of a U.S. election cycle up close and in person.
WHAT EXAMINATIONS WILL I HAVE TO TAKE TO GAIN MY QUALIFICATION?
PAPER 1: UK POLITICS (2 hours) 33.3% of A Level
Topics include democracy and participation; political parties; electoral systems; voting behaviour and the media; core political ideas such as conservatism, liberalism and socialism
PAPER 2: UK GOVERNMENT (2 hours) 33.3% of A Level
Topics include the Constitution; Parliament; Prime Minister and executive; relationships between the branches; a non-core political idea – anarchism
Topics include the US Constitution and federalism; US Congress; US presidency; US Supreme Court and civil rights; democracy and participation; comparative theories between UK and US political systems.
WHAT COULD I GO ON TO DO AT THE END OF MY COURSE?
An A Level in Politics is a well-respected qualification that provides a very good basis for entry to a wide range of higher education courses and careers. Students with an A Level in Politics can be found in a range of professions; it is of particular relevance to those seeking a career in the law, international development, the charitable sector, the civil service, journalism and business.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON SPECIFICATIONS
The specifications along with specimen and past paper materials can be found at http://www.edexcel.org.uk
