Politics A Level

Edexcel A Level Politics

This course allows students to develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the political structure of the UK, the factors influencing participation in the political process, and a solid appreciation of a range of ideological perspectives in politics. Politics is an integral element of people’s lives, whether or not they are aware of it. Students of politics will come to appreciate both the essential processes of governance and competing political views within society.

At High Storrs students will study the following topics;

UK Politics – Explores how people engage with UK politics, the democratic system, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour, and the media’s influence.

UK Government – Examines the UK constitution, the powers and interactions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, the concept of sovereignty, and recent constitutional changes.

Political Ideas – Introduces liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and feminism, covering their principles, key thinkers, divisions, and applications to human nature, society, the state, and the economy.

Global Politics – Explores political activity at the local, regional, and international levels. You will examine global challenges such a climate change, inequality and conflict, using case studies and theories of international relations like liberalism and realism to understand and debate international issues.

Paper 1 - 33%

• Component 1 - UK Politics
• Core Political Ideas – Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism

Paper 2 - 33%

• Component 2 - UK Government
• Non-core Political Ideas - Feminism

Paper 3 - 33%

• Component 3 - Global Politics

A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4. This MUST include:

• Mathematics Grade 4 AND

• English Language Grade 5

Plus

Grade 5 in English Language OR English Literature

Students are expected to have a general interest in political issues and current affairs, and to be curious about the political arena. It is not a requirement to have followed any particular GCSE course, though any of the humanities subjects will provide a good grounding. Politics combines well with any A level course offered in the sixth form. The course will build a range of transferrable skills such as communication, problem solving, and critical thinking. It could lead to many possible careers, including management, social work, local, central and international government, teaching, lecturing, journalism, law, and other similar professional routes.