Why study Politics? By studying Politics you get to understand the inner workings of our country and democracy. By doing this you are able to engage with current affairs and have well informed debates about what is going on in the UK and internationally. If you are passionate about a particular topic such as the environment, gender equality, workers rights and so on, studying Politics is a great way to understand how the political system works and how you can advance and campaign for your beliefs. Likewise, if you are unhappy about what is happening in the country or your local area, by studying politics you will find out the different ways to have your voice heard and how you can have an impact/ make a change! Finally, studying Politics gives you an insight into other subjects such as History, Law, Criminology and Sociology. What will I study in Politics? You will study the Edexcel 2017 Linear A Level specification over two years. At the end of Y13 you will sit three papers that make up the entire A Level qualification. In Year 12 you will study two units: UK Politics and UK Government . In Year 13 you will study a third unit called US Government and Politics and then revisit UK Politics and UK Government with some additional content in preparation for your final A Level examination. How do employers feel about Politics? Politics is a desirable subject sought after by universities and employers. All employers and recruiters expect their candidates to understand contemporary issues and debates and appreciate the potential impact. An A level in this subjects demonstrates an in depth understanding of politics. You will gain many skills studying politics which will benefit you throughout your life; such as communication, the ability to present an argument or debate, research and independent learning, the ability to analyse and evaluate information, and the ability to construct academic essays. What careers can I go into with Politics? Politics compliments those considering a career in: Law Journalism The media Research. In addition, all public sector employers; like medicine, teaching and social services, require their employees to follow government policy because it affects these areas directly. How will I be examined? At A Level you will sit three papers (UK Politics, UK Government and Global Politics). Each paper is 2 hours What resources are available? Books Edexcel AS/A Level Politics (new for 2017): Pearson Edexcel AS/A Level Politics Revision Guide (new for 2017): Pearson A. Heywood, Political Ideologies Journals Politics Review The Spectator The Economist Websites https://www.parliament.uk/ https://www.thetimes.co.uk/ https://www.theguardian.com/uk http://www.bbc.co.uk/news Course Content Politics is the study of power and participation, and the institutions that exercise power. Over a two year period, you will study three components: Component 1- UK Politics and Political Ideas: Here you will learn about your role as a citizen in the democratic process; the role and value of elections and referendums; how political parties operate; the role of pressure groups in a democracy; the core ideologies which shape our beliefs. Component 2- UK Government: Here you will learn about the British Constitution; (the rules we are governed by), the functions of the Government (how the government runs the country and how laws are made), Parliament; the judiciary (our legal system) and human rights. Component 3- US Government and Politics: The Constitution (the rules America is governed by), Federalism (Central and state powers), Congress, The Presidency, The Supreme Court, Democracy and Participation