Politics

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

Mr Burns

QUALIFICATION

A Level

EXAM BOARD

AQA

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

6 in History and 6 in English Language

WHY STUDY THIS COURSE

Politics is not on the UK curriculum for Key Stage 3 or GCSE. This means that, apart from a small section in PSHE, politics will not be taught in the classroom to students. This is despite politics having a vital impact on our lives.  The best way to learn about topics that directly impact your life is to study A Level Politics. Not only does it teach you all about democracy, political systems and ideology, it will enable you to understand how all of these concepts and structures directly impact on our lives as citizens.  

In A Level Politics, you will answer a range of short and longer questions that test your ability to write in a time-limited environment. Being able to write effective essays that convey a point of view and backing that with evidence is an incredible skill to have for later in life. Whether you go to university, an apprenticeship or employment, evidence-based writing is a skill that many employers look for and will be a credit to your skillset at university.

You will study the government and politics of the UK; the government and politics of the USA and comparative politics; and political ideas. 

COURSE OVERVIEW

WHAT WE STUDY

EXAM SPECIFICATION

AQA Politics Specification

ENRICHMENT

There will be a number of trips organised over the two year course, often in conjunction with the History Department, to enable students to learn how politics works outside of the classroom.  There will be at least one opportunity to visit the House of Commons.

FUTURE PATHWAYS

Politics is a respected subject for many universities and employers due to its extensive list of topics that are assessed. Many universities will require you to have studied an essay-based subject for subjects like history, politics, and economics. Having A Level Politics allows you to access these courses and shows that you are able to cope with writing evidence-based essays.