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Politics

What is A-Level Politics?

Politics is the study of power. Choosing Politics at A-level will give you a good understanding of ‘who gets what, how and why’. By the end of the course, you will appreciate the factors that are driving change all around us, as well as how to make a difference yourself. Unless we understand how government works, and how ordinary people can influence what government does, we will never be able to play a full and active part in society. We will always be on the receiving end of other people’s wisdom, rather than being in a position to advance our own agenda.

Politics is not a debating club, it is an academically demanding A-level that involves a lot of reading and writing, and a willingness to keep up with current affairs. But this process will bring to life the world around you by lifting the lid on the structures, individuals and ideas that shape human relations.

What Will You Study in A-Level Politics?

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

Paper 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics

The Constitution

Congress

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

Paper 3: Political Ideas

Liberalism
Conservatism
Socialism
Anarchism

What Next after Completing A-Level Politics?

The Russell Group Universities regard Politics A-Level as one of the key challenging subjects that allow entry to the most prestigious courses at the undergraduate level. It is seen as a traditional academic subject providing evidence of a student’s ability to produce detailed written arguments, reaching valid judgements based on a strong analysis of supporting evidence. As a result, it is a subject that will help with almost all degrees and it is considered particularly useful for any humanities subject, Modern Foreign Languages & Law.

What is the Exam Board for A-Level Politics?

AQA

The exam board is AQA, and is assessed by three 2-hour papers at the end of your two years of study. However, there will also be internal College Assessment Point (CAP) exam-style assessments through which we can assess your progress at the course goes along. In Year 12, CAP1 is in the autumn term, CAP2 is in the spring term and CAP3 in the summer term. In Year 13 CAP4 will be in the autumn term and CAP5 in the spring term.

What are the Entry Requirements for A-Level Politics?

At least five 5’s at GCSE, including at least a 6 in English Language or English Literature.

Have you considered studying a Mixed Programme (A-Levels and Btecs) Whether you’re on target to achieve five 5s in your GCSEs or not there may still be an option to study A-Levels alongside a BTEC qualification at Newman.

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