Politics A Level

A level politics gives students a broader perspective of the world and empowers understanding of current affairs.

Students will specialise in the government and politics of the UK and USA.

Politics compliments other subjects well in terms of essay writing analysis and debate.

The course focuses on the following areas:

The government and politics of the UK

A comparative unit on the government and politics of the USA

Political ideas (socialism, conservatism, liberalism and feminism)

Students make comparisons between the systems and will identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences

between aspects of politics. Students will develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the

relationships between political ideas, political institutions and political processes.

The political ideas to be studied have relevance to both of the systems of government and politics. The course will

enhance students’ knowledge and understanding of politics, political debate and political issues in both the UK and

the USA.

Assessment

The course is assessed over three exams. The exams are synoptic but each has a different focus.

There is a mixture of medium length “explain” and essay style questions included in the examinations.

Exam 1 – Government and Politics in the UK

Written Exam 2 hours

77 marks

1/3 of overall marks

Exam 2 – The government and politics in the USA and comparative politics

Written Exam 2 hours

77 marks

1/3 of overall marks

Exam 3 – Political Ideas

Written Exam 2 hours

77 marks

1/3 of overall marks

5 in English Language

Skills developed and opportunities available:

Politics helps to develop skills in problem solving, critical analysis, communication, reasoning analysis and debate.

The course is suitable for students wishing to study Law, Politics or History at a higher level.