A Level Politics

Exam Board:

EdExcel

The aims and objectives of this qualification are to enable students to: • develop knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, both within the United Kingdom (UK) and globally • develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes • develop knowledge and an informed understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics • develop knowledge and an informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups • develop the ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgements • develop an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics

Component 1: UK Politics

Content overview 1. Political Participation, students will study: • democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. 2. Core Political Ideas, students will study: • conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Component 2: UK Government

Content overview 1. UK Government, students will study: • the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches. 2. Non-core political ideas, students will study: • one idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.

Component 3: Comparative Politics

Content overview For USA (3A), students will study: • the US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation, comparative theories

Assessment overview for 3A and 3B

Section A • One 12-mark question from a choice of two, which assesses AO1 and AO2.

Section B • One compulsory 12-mark question focused on comparative theories, which assesses AO1 and AO2.

Section C • Two 30-mark questions from a choice of three, which assess AO1, AO2 and AO3.

It is recommended that students have achieved a Grade 5 for either English Language or Literature at GCSE to study Politics at A Level.

A Level Politics provides a wide body of knowledge that allows students to participate fully in UK life as active citizens. Many students who study A Level Politics progress to a university degree, and there are many degree courses that A Level Politics can suit, for example:

• Anthropology

• Economics

• English

• History

• International Relations

• Journalism

• Law

• Politics

• Philosophy

• Sociology