Politics

What is A-Level Politics?

Politics is the study of power: who holds it, how they get it, and what they do with it. Taking A-Level Politics helps you understand the forces shaping the world around us. You’ll explore how governments work, how change happens, and how people can influence decisions that affect everyday life.

By the end of the Politics A-Level course, you’ll have a clearer view of current affairs and the systems behind them. You’ll see how political decisions are made and how you can play an active role in shaping the future, rather than simply watching from the sidelines.

This isn’t a debating club. It’s a challenging academic subject that involves keeping up with the news, reading widely, and building strong writing skills. In return, you’ll start to see politics everywhere: in headlines, interviews, protests, elections, and even day-to-day conversations.

What Will You Study in A-Level Politics?

In Year 12, you’ll build a strong understanding of how politics works in the UK and begin to explore political systems in the USA. You'll look at how power is distributed, how decisions are made, and the roles of key institutions and individuals.

Year 12 – Paper 1: Government and Politics of the UK

The British Constitution
Parliament
Prime Minister and Cabinet
The Judiciary
Devolution
Democracy and Participation
Elections and Referendums
Political Parties
Pressure Groups
The European Union

Year 12 – Paper 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics (Part 1)

The US Constitution
US Congress

In Year 13, you’ll continue your study of American politics and begin comparing it with the UK system. You’ll also explore the core political ideas that have shaped political thought and continue to influence policies and beliefs today.

Year 13 – Paper 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics (continued)

The Presidency
The Supreme Court
The Electoral Process and Direct Democracy
Political Parties
Pressure Groups
Civil Rights
Comparative US-UK Politics

Year 13 – Paper 3: Political Ideas

Liberalism
Conservatism
Socialism
Anarchism

What Next after Completing A-Level Politics?

Politics is recognised as a respected academic subject by top universities, including those in the Russell Group. It shows you can think critically, build strong arguments, and write with clarity. These are all skills that are valued across a wide range of degree courses.

Politics A-Level is especially helpful if you're considering subjects like:

History
Philosophy
Law
Modern Foreign Languages
Sociology or other humanities-based courses

It’s a subject that opens doors, whether you’re aiming for university or exploring careers where clear thinking and communication are essential.

What is the Exam Board for A-Level Politics?

A-Level Politics is assessed by AQA, with three 2-hour exam papers at the end of the two-year course.

To help you stay on track, you’ll also complete a series of internal assessments known as College Assessment Points (CAPs). These take place throughout the course to monitor your progress and prepare you for final exams.

In Year 12:

CAP1 – Autumn Term
CAP2 – Spring Term
CAP3 – Summer Term

In Year 13:

CAP4 – Autumn Term
CAP5 – Spring Term

What are the Entry Requirements for A-Level Politics?

You’ll need at least five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including a grade 6 in English Language or English Literature to enrol in our Politics A-Level course.

If you're not quite on track to meet these requirements, don't worry. You might still be able to study A-Levels as part of a Mixed Programme, combining them with a BTEC qualification at Newman.

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