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 and government work in the UK and begin to explore core political ideas. You'll look at how power is distributed, how decisions are made, the roles of key institutions and individuals, as well as the ideas and thinker that underpin all of this.

Year 12 – Paper 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

Democracy and Participation
Elections and Referendums
Political Parties
Electoral Systems
Voting Behaviour and the Media
Liberalism
Conservatism
Socialism

Year 12 – Paper 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas

The Constitution
Parliament
Prime Minister and Executive
Relations between the Branches
Anarchism

In Year 13, you’ll study of American politics and begin comparing it with the UK system.

Year 13 – Paper 3: US Government and Politics

US Constitution and Federalism
US Congress
US Presidency
US Supreme Court and Civil Rights
US Democracy and Participation
Comparison of all the above to the UK

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.

What Enrichment is on offer in this subject?

We will seek to arrange a visit to the UK Parliament and from an MP.

What other subjects go well with this subject?

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

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

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