A Level Politics

Studying politics is an excellent way of learning to understand the modern world. The study of British and global issues offers the students an insight into some of the most important forces that shape all our lives.

Our students are politically engaged and interested in current affairs. They have held mock elections in school and are passionate debaters! We use a wide range of methods to enhance students’ awareness of recent changes, including TV and radio broadcasts, newspaper articles and policy papers.

Edexcel specification of politics at A Level allows students to explore UK politics in greater depth, including the role of the media in influencing election outcomes, and case studies of specific UK elections. The A Level will also include a new component on politics in the USA, allowing students to make comparisons between the UK and US systems.

Aims

  • To learn about both British and non-British government and politics
  • To learn about the structure and workings of British and non-British political systems
  • To learn about the ideologies that fashion institutions and politics
  • To argue in an informed and coherent way

Syllabus - Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Politics (9PL0) and Examinations

Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

This section explores the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK. Students will investigate issues such as the democratic system, political parties, and the role of the media in contemporary politics.

Students will also explore one of five additional political ideas, likely to be either feminism or nationalism.

  • 2 hour written examination (33%)

Component 2: UK Government and Optional Political Ideas

In this component, students learn to understand the structure of government in the UK, including the constitution, the role of the Prime Minister, and the role of the judiciary. Students will also explore one of five additional political ideas, likely to be either feminism or anarchism

  • 2 hour written examination (33%)

Component 3: Comparative Politics

This component is likely to focus on the Government and Politics of the USA. Students will explore the key features and institutions of US government and democracy and will compare and contrast politics and institutions in the US with those in the UK. This will develop a wider understanding of politics as a discipline, underpinned by the theoretical concepts of comparative politics.

  • 2 hour written examination (33%)
Extra-Curricular Activities

Students have a plethora of opportunities throughout the academic year to take part in internal and external political and global debates, including Model United Nations (MUN) events, and debating and public speaking opportunities.

Potential Degree Courses and Career Choices

Politics would support an application for any arts subject. It would also demonstrate a general ability to handle detailed information, to construct a balanced argument and to form a judgement. These skills are invaluable in many degree subjects. Career choices are also very wide: business, law, politics, education and many other fields.

Academic Stretch

What should you be doing to challenge yourself in politics?

  • Do some of the wider reading for the topics you have studied, suggested to you in the lesson (available on OneNote)
  • Read some of the articles in Politics Review
  • View the lectures and read the updates on PreChewed Politics (Login details are on OneNote)
  • Keep up to date with current affairs
  • Take part in MUN and/or the politics trips available

Online resources for politics

[A full list of websites is available in OneNote]

Example current affairs websites:

Example support with A level topics and exam techniques:

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