Edexcel
Why study Politics?
Politics is about people and power. It exists wherever people are and it often makes for interesting study, intriguing observation and explosive viewing. An A Level in Politics will give you the tools to make more sense of the decision making process, and hopefully understand the motives of the people who make them. The study of Politics both in the UK and the USA is vibrant, dynamic, controversial and always interesting.
Politics combines well with other A level subjects such as Economics, History, Geography, English and Modern Languages. Politics can be studied at degree level in many different combinations, including courses in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE - Oxford), Social and Political Studies (HSPS – Cambridge), Political Economy (LSE). As a subject it demands high levels of analytical skill and is therefore potentially attractive to employers.
What content does the course cover?
The course offers a foundation in political concepts and systems, closely related to current affairs. Beginning from scratch, the course provides a comprehensive grounding in the UK constitution and political system, and in a broad range of political philosophy. Students will learn how to analyse and interpret political events, and to evaluate them both in discussions and in written work.
The full A Level consists of three units all assessed at the end of the upper sixth, each worth a third towards the A level qualification.
Module
Title
Content overview
Unit 1
UK Politics
Political participation – democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behavior and the media
Core political ideas – conservatism, liberalism and socialism
Unit 2
UK Government
UK Government – the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches
Non Core Political ideas - feminism
Unit 3
Comparative politics
USA – the US constitution and federalism, congress, the presidency, the supreme court, democracy and civil rights. Comparative UK US politics.
What does the course involve?
The study of politics is interesting and rewarding, and there will be discussion and debate on every topic, however it is also a requirement that students undertake note-taking and comprehension activities as well. The subject is well resourced with a wide range of materials. Students are encouraged to take an active part in their learning and from the outset will have a weekly news quiz to keep abreast of current affairs. The best students in politics are those who can use their routine research to provide up to date examples to illustrate their work.
There will be regular assessment of students’ work with examination practice questions. Students need to be prepared to work hard in order to succeed in this demanding but rewarding subject.
Entry requirements
Strong reading and writing skills are essential, and the ability to demonstrate critical thinking is a distinct advantage. Students should, above all, have some interest in current affairs. A willingness to watch quality news programmes and read newspapers is essential. Achieving at least a grade 6 in GCSE English Language and History (if taken at GCSE) will provide a solid foundation for the course.