Politics
Politics is the study of power and the people and structures that contribute towards the execution of power.
The A Level Course consists of both UK and US politics. Learning is focused on key areas such as the governing of the UK, the nature of the political system and how political ideas of conservatism, liberalism, and socialism influence current political parties. In addition there is an opportunity to study alternative political ideas and their relevance in the modern world. The US Politics paper will focus on 1. The US Constitution and federalism, the Presidency and role of Congress and the Supreme Court. It also considers US civil rights, democracy and participation. Finally, we look at comparative theories.
PAPER 1: UK Politics (2 hours)
Political Participation (Democracy, Parties, Electoral systems, voting, the media), Core Political Ideas (Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism)
PAPER 2: UK Government (2 hours)
UK Government (The Constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister), Optional Political Ideas (Anarchism, Ecologism, Feminism, Multiculturalism, Nationalism)
PAPER 3: US Politics: Comparative Study (2 hours)
The US Politics paper will focus on 1. The US Constitution and federalism, the Presidency and role of Congress and the Supreme Court. It also considers US civil rights, democracy and participation. Finally, we look at comparative theories.
Assessment Methods/Teaching Methods
A variety of teaching and learning strategies are employed throughout the course. Students are expected to undertake group work, make presentations, use research skills, and to become independent learners. Students will be encouraged to express their opinions during class discussion, and to be up-to-date with key political issues and developments. Students should note that there is no coursework component within the ‘A’ Level.
Suitability For Combination
Politics is taken by many students who take Humanities and Arts subjects specifically History where an understanding of Politics is essential. Other complimentary subjects to Politics include English and Geography, as well as the other three Social Sciences – Economics, Sociology, or Psychology. Politics can also be taken by students, who have focused on the Sciences or Mathematics in order to broaden their intellectual horizons, and to give them an alternative challenge and a more diverse skill set.
Progression To Higher Education/Vocational Destinations
As an academic subject Government and Politics is very well regarded by all universities including Russell Group. Employers consider Politics a serious intellectual discipline providing an excellent basis for Business Management, International Business and Finance, Journalism, the Legal profession and the Civil Service. Many of our students go on to take Politics at degree level either separately or as part of another course e.g. History, Economics, PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics) or International Relations and Business related degrees. You can also combine Modern Foreign languages with the study of Politics, and it is ideally placed to suit an application for the study of Law.
