Politics

A Level Politics is an in-depth study into political institutions, processes and beliefs central to an understanding of the modern world. It also allows the development of analytical and evaluative skills in relation to the most salient issues in the turbulent political climate of today.

Politics is a hugely enriching course with exciting opportunities offered beyond the classroom. Students experience the world of politics with guests from the political world speaking at the school including political journalist Iain Dale and politicians Lord Richard to Benyon, Laura Farris and Lee Dillon MP.

Instagram / Podcasts

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GCSE (Year 10-11)

At GCSE level, students interested in politics are encouraged to consider Citizenship Studies.

Sixth Form (Year 12-13)

Examination Board: AQA

Course Description

Politics is a fast moving subject, as Harold Wilson said ‘A week is a long time in politics’. In A Level Politics, students study three broad areas: the politics of the UK, the politics of the USA and political ideologies.

In Year 12, the course looks at our political system, including Parliament, law courts, the EU and the constitution, and considers the interrelationships and complexities of the system. Students will learn the significance of key historical documents to the development of rights in the UK and will explore policymaking, evaluating the scrutiny of the executive and how effective this is in practice. Students will study the roles, powers and responsibilities of the different devolved bodies in the UK and discuss debate around devolution in England. They will cover the nature and characteristics of democracy and look at how people can participate in politics.

In Year 13, the course looks at how the political system and people’s participation works in America as well as ideologies that influence political thinking including conservatism and socialism. Students will identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of politics and develop an awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between ideas, institutions and processes. They will learn to construct and communicate political arguments and explanations with relevance, clarity and coherence.

Assessment

This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year linear course, with all units examined at the end of Year 13.

Students will sit three written papers:

Paper 1: Government and politics of the UK (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
Paper 2: Government and politics of the US and comparative politics (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
Paper 3: Political ideas (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)

Entry Requirements

GCSE History is not a requirement but where students have studied this subject, a Grade 5 is required

Where might it lead?

A Level Politics can help open doors to careers in/as:

Academic Researcher
Advice Worker
Business Development Manager
Charity Officer
Civil Service
Diplomatic Service Officer
Government Social Research Officer
Journalist
Local Government
Market Researcher
Marketing Executive
Policy Officer
Political Risk Analyst
Politician
Public Affairs Consultant
Public Relations Officer
Social Researcher
Trade Union Research Officer

Student Destinations

Eve Herriman

2024 Offers From:

University of Bath – Economics with Politics
University of Bristol – Economics and Politics
University of Leeds – Economics and Politics
University of Manchester – Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Henry Jelley

2024 Offers From:

University of Birmingham – Politics and Sociology
University of Southampton – Sociology

St Bartholomew’s School Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire. RG14 6JP

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