Choosing this Course A Level Politics is a subject that, more than any other, explains the society in which we live. It is a vibrant and exciting subject because it is always changing, and it is relevant to almost every aspect of the world around us. This course gives you the opportunity to understand the processes and institutions at the heart of politics in the UK and beyond. We follow the Edexcel specification, and through this course you will gain and develop your skills in communication, debate, analysis and evaluation. Independent study and an interest in the news and current affairs are vital to success in this course. This course is well-matched with an A Level in History or English. Course Content Year 1 The first year focuses on the system of governance in the UK. We study UK Politics, which includes topics such as democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voter behaviour and the impact of the media. We also study UK Government which focuses the UK constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister and the executive, and evaluating the relationship between the three branches of government. We also look at political theories: Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism, and one other theory. The students are introduced to examination questions and techniques, and see Politics in action with a visit to Parliament and meetings with local MPs. Year 2 The second year of the course builds on the skills and understanding students have developed in the first year. This year focuses on Comparative Politics. Students are encouraged to develop their analysis and evaluation by drawing links between the US system of the government and the UK; making connections, analysing differences, and drawing in new developments to reinforce their arguments. In both years of the course, students are encouraged to be critical of what they read, and by understanding a range of opinions, to form their own well-researched conclusions. Assessment: All three papers are 2 hours and each is worth 33.3% of the A Level qualification. Paper 1 – UK Politics and Core Political Ideas Paper 2 – UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas Paper 1 and 2 follow the same structure: 1 x 30-mark source-based question (from a choice of two), 1 x 30-mark question (from a choice of two), 1 x 24-mark question on ideologies (from a choice of two) Paper 3 – Comparative Politics — US Politics 1 x 12-mark question (from a choice of two), 1 x 12-mark question (no choice, using a comparative theory), 2 x 30-mark question (from a choice of three) What do the exams assess? All three exams assess three assessment objectives. AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories, issues. AO2 - Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including relation to parallels, connections, similarities, differences. AO3 - Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions. Career Opportunities Many students decide to extend their knowledge of politics by taking a university degree in the subject, or in a related area such as international relations, or a combined degree. This could then lead you to become involved in politics in a practical way – by working for a political research organisation, as an assistant to an MP, or even by seeking election to local government or parliament. If not, the skills you learn can be applied to a wide range of situations and disciplines. Selecting and analysing information, discriminating between viewpoints and making a strong arguments are all essential skills in career paths such as law, journalism, the media, teaching, and the civil service, as well as marketing, researching, public relations and public services such as the police force.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Sutton |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Mixed |
| Address | Sutton Common Road, Sutton, SM3 9PS |
Choosing this Course A Level Politics is a subject that, more than any other, explains the society in which we live. It is a vibrant and exciting subject because it is always changing, and it is relevant to almost every aspect of the world around us. This course gives you the opportunity to understand the processes and institutions at the heart of politics in the UK and beyond. We follow the Edexcel specification, and through this course you will gain and develop your skills in communication, debate, analysis and evaluation. Independent study and an interest in the news and current affairs are vital to success in this course. This course is well-matched with an A Level in History or English. Course Content Year 1 The first year focuses on the system of governance in the UK. We study UK Politics, which includes topics such as democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voter behaviour and the impact of the media. We also study UK Government which focuses the UK constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister and the executive, and evaluating the relationship between the three branches of government. We also look at political theories: Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism, and one other theory. The students are introduced to examination questions and techniques, and see Politics in action with a visit to Parliament and meetings with local MPs. Year 2 The second year of the course builds on the skills and understanding students have developed in the first year. This year focuses on Comparative Politics. Students are encouraged to develop their analysis and evaluation by drawing links between the US system of the government and the UK; making connections, analysing differences, and drawing in new developments to reinforce their arguments. In both years of the course, students are encouraged to be critical of what they read, and by understanding a range of opinions, to form their own well-researched conclusions. Assessment: All three papers are 2 hours and each is worth 33.3% of the A Level qualification. Paper 1 – UK Politics and Core Political Ideas Paper 2 – UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas Paper 1 and 2 follow the same structure: 1 x 30-mark source-based question (from a choice of two), 1 x 30-mark question (from a choice of two), 1 x 24-mark question on ideologies (from a choice of two) Paper 3 – Comparative Politics — US Politics 1 x 12-mark question (from a choice of two), 1 x 12-mark question (no choice, using a comparative theory), 2 x 30-mark question (from a choice of three) What do the exams assess? All three exams assess three assessment objectives. AO1 - Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories, issues. AO2 - Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including relation to parallels, connections, similarities, differences. AO3 - Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions. Career Opportunities Many students decide to extend their knowledge of politics by taking a university degree in the subject, or in a related area such as international relations, or a combined degree. This could then lead you to become involved in politics in a practical way – by working for a political research organisation, as an assistant to an MP, or even by seeking election to local government or parliament. If not, the skills you learn can be applied to a wide range of situations and disciplines. Selecting and analysing information, discriminating between viewpoints and making a strong arguments are all essential skills in career paths such as law, journalism, the media, teaching, and the civil service, as well as marketing, researching, public relations and public services such as the police force.
