Politics A Level

TO MAKE AN APPLICATION TO MERCIA SCHOOL PLEASE APPLY VIA THE MERCIA WEBSITE https://www.merciaschool.com

The deadline date for applications is 31st December 2022 (more information is available on Mercia School website)

Politics is one of the most dynamic A Levels you can study, it complements a wide range of other A Levels, such as English Literature, History and Economics. It is a popular A Level nationally, with almost 17,000 studying it in 2020.

Politics provides scholars with an opportunity to think critically about global politics and political thinking, challenging them to think deeply about how power is exercised in Britain, Europe and across the wider world.

The political landscape is changing at breakneck speed and it is essential that we can comprehend the dizzying rates of change; whether that be in relation to Brexit, the War in Ukraine, or the unique premiership of Boris Johnson. By studying this course, scholars will become excellent political thinkers and perhaps, with hard work and further study, our future political leaders.

Exam Board: AQA

The course has three broad areas of study: 1. The government and politics of the UK 2. The government and politics of the USA, and comparative politics 3. Political ideas Each broad area of study is separated into sub-sections. Some of these include the role of Parliament/Congress, the role of the Prime Minister/President, the political parties of both nations, and the fascinating electoral processes.

Remember, the course requires a holistic approach that is often comparative in nature. Assessment is through three two-hour papers, with all papers using ‘explain’ questions and longer essay-style questions: Paper One: Government and Politics of the UK Paper Two: Government and Politics of the USA, Comparative Politics Paper Three: Political Ideas

At least a grade 7 in GCSE History or a grade 7 in GCSE English Language where History is not studied

Politics is a versatile subject that will work well within any combination desired. However, the course would strongly support study in other arts subjects like History, Geography and English Literature. Those wanting to study Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) at Oxford should take Maths alongside a subject like Politics, History or Economics.