POLITICS

Exam Board: AQA Head of Department: James Frost LLB MA (UWE, Bristol) PGCE Members of Department: Ben McLeod MA (St Andrews) PGCE Anthony Hammond BA (UWE, Bristol) PGCE

Are you right for the course?

Politics is a lively, popular subject and A Level Politics suits a variety of individuals and their interests. It is the perfect course for those who keep their finger on the pulse of news and current affairs and the study of Politics extends and develops your debating skills when expressing your opinions. In order to study A Level Politics, it is advisable to have a GCSE grade 5 or above in English and/or History, Business Studies, or Geography, as well as five GCSEs in total. Anybody with a good standard of literacy can pass A Level Politics provided they are prepared to work sensibly.

What does the course consist of?

There are three broad areas of study in this specification: •Paper 1: The Government and Politics of the UK •Paper 2: The Government and Politics of the USA, and Comparative Politics •Paper 3: Political Ideas — including topics such as: Conservatism, Socialism, Liberalism,

Feminism

The A Level requires an in-depth study of UK and US government and politics. Comparisons across the two political systems are required in the topic entitled ‘Comparative Politics’. The political ideas to be studied have relevance to both of the systems of government and politics. The study of the four ideologies will enhance your knowledge and understanding of politics, political debate and political issues in both the UK and the USA. You will learn to identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of politics. This will ensure that you develop a critical awareness - essential in the world of ‘fake news’ - of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, political institutions and political processes. You will also take part in a number of debates and political discussions, as well as attending political visits.

Where will it lead you?

Politics affects the whole nation and studying it at A Level can help you shape the future in a political role or just give you a better understanding into how politics shapes the country and how it works. Politics involves the important decisions that affect your life, concerning wealth, health, education and morality. It is ideal if you are considering studying Politics, Sociology, Ethics, Advertising or Journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.

What subjects does it go with?

A Level Politics combines well with the humanities subjects such as History, Geography, Economics as well as Arts-oriented subjects such as English or Modern Languages; but in the modern, flexible world, it can combine with almost any subject.