Politics

Please note:
This subject is offered in mixed classes jointly with Ermysted’s Grammar School.   

Is this course for me?

Lively, relevant, controversial… there are many ways to describe A Level Politics. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose. Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how each country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills.

Opportunities

It’s ideal if you’re considering studying history, law, politics, ethics, business management or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service. 

Qualification Structure

Unit 1 – Government and Politics of the UK 

Students will study two different aspects:

• The government of the UK including the nature and sources of the British Constitution; the structure and role of Parliament; the PM & Cabinet; the judiciary; and devolution.
• The politics of the UK including democracy & participation; elections and referendums; political parties; pressure groups; and the EU.

Unit 2 – Government and Politics of the USA

Students will study:

• The government of the USA including the constitutional framework; Congress; the Presidency; and the Supreme Court
• The politics of the USA including the electoral process and direct democracy; political parties; pressure groups and civil rights.
• Comparative approaches to politics following the three theoretical approaches – structural, rational and cultural.

Unit 3 – Political Ideas

Students will study the core political ideologies of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism.