Politics A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

A-Level Government & Politics

Exam board and specification codes: Edexcel, Component 1: 9PLO/01, Component 2: 9PLO/01, Component 3; 9PLO/3B

What is covered by the course?

The course is broken down into three components:

Year 1

Component 1 – How do we participate in politics? (Democracy, Political Parties, Electoral systems, Voting behaviour and the media). Core Political ideas (Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism) . The state, the economy, freedom and equality. Key theorists.

This unit introduces students to the key channels of communication between government and the people. It encourages students to evaluate the adequacy of existing arrangements for ensuring people have power and participate. The role of pressure groups, political parties and the impact of the media is also assessed.

Component 2?– UK Government (The constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister, relations between institutions) The nature and origins of ideologies, their role and significance in politics. The state, the economy, freedom and equality. Key theorists. Non-Core political ideas (from a choice of 5, including: nationalism, feminism, anarchism, multiculturalism and ecologism)

This unit introduces students to the major governmental processes within the UK. It encourages them to develop a critical understanding of the role and effectiveness of key institutions, and of the relationship between them in the context of multi-level governance.

Year 2

Component 3?– USA politics

1. a) The US Constitution, (separation ofpowers,checks and balances), amendments and f
2. b) The US Congress (house,senate,committee system, mid-term elections, law-making, oversight, filibusters, efficacy, relations with other branches of US government.)
3. c) The US Presidency;relations betweenthe Presidency and other branches of government.
4. d) The US Supreme Court: Judicial Review, the court and public policy, the court and civil rights, relations with other branches of government and the states of the USA.
5. e) US Democracy and Participation: elections, campaign finance, political parties (democrats and republicans), us pressure and advocacy groups, political action committees. elections, election funding, pressure and advocacy groups, political parties.

How it is examined?

Component 1: Written examination, 2 hours

Component 2: Written examination, 2 hours

Component 2: Written examination, 2 hours

Note:?All exams are essay-based and offer a choice of essay questions

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Taking the Edexcel Advanced GCE in Government and Politics will give you adaptable skills which will enable you to understand and assess ideas and arguments, and to construct and communicate clear answers to problems based on well-validated evidence.
With a GCE in Government and Politics, you can progress to higher education courses such as honours degrees in Politics, Law, International Politics/Relations and Political Science as well as to degrees in related subjects such as History, Geography, Economics and Social policy. You will also be able to progress to vocational qualifications such as BTEC Higher National Certificates/Diplomas in subjects such as Public Services, Business or Media (Journalism).
The study of politics can lead to a variety of careers within areas such as journalism and broadcasting, management, publishing, local government, public policy and policy research, interest groups, local government and the voluntary sector, as well as within politics itself.