Politics A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: Edexcel
Study Politics
You don’t need to have any previous experience of studying politics, what is essential is an interest in learning about current affairs.
Politics is a study of power, who has it and how they use it. In A Level Politics we study the key political institutions, and how effective they are at holding those in power to account. How much power does the Prime Minister have? What’s the role of Parliament?
If you have an interest in asking these questions, then you will enjoy this course. Politics is important because it affects everyone and everything, from the way in which GCSEs and A Level courses are structured, to the amount of tax you pay on your income. You may not want a career in politics or even to be active in politics, but to be informed on who the decision makers are, and how decisions are made is vital in a liberal democracy.
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 4 English
This is a 2 year course.
Exam board: Edexcel
Component 1: UK Politics (democracy & participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behavior & the media, liberalism, conservativism, socialism)
Component 2: UK Government (the Constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister & the executive, relationships between the branches, a non-compulsory ideology)
Component 3: Comparative Politics (the US Constitution & federalism, US Congress, US Presidency, US Supreme Court & civil rights, democracy & participation, and comparative theories.
External Assessment
- Each component is worth 33% of the qualification, and is examined in a 2 hour written exam.
- Component 1 & 2 will have a 30 mark source based essay question, a 30 mark essay question, and 24 mark essay question.
- Component 3 will have two 12 mark questions and two 30 mark essay questions.
Internal Assessment
- In order to prepare for the exams you will regularly be set essay questions to complete, and be provided with feedback in line with exam board criteria to help you improve.
Students who study Politics A Level can go on to university to study International Relations, Politics, Philosophy, History, Economics or Law, and other humanities and social sciences.
Studying Politics develops a range of skills which are attractive to employers across a broad spectrum of careers:
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Critical thinking and analytical skills
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Presenting well-constructed arguments both orally and in writing
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Communicating clearly and concisely
Politics graduates can go on to work in politics, either as a politician or for an MP as a researcher, local or devolved government, the Civil Service, journalism, research and education, charities and development, law & legal activities.
“Studying Politics at St Charles made the process of learning enjoyable because of the great resources that were provided.”
“Politics at St Charles opens your mind and encourages you to engage with the way in which our country works… passionate teachers make lessons that much more interesting and enjoyable.”
“The most interesting and contemporary subject you could possible choose! The teaching is amazing, I’ve never felt so confident before an exam!”
“A well rounded academic subject that touches upon different discipline such as history, and teaches you where real power lies.”
“The teachers are amazing and very passionate about government and politics.”
We visit Parliament where students can take a tour, attend a workshop and meet our local MP. Students will also visit the UK Supreme Court, and may have the opportunity to see a court in session.
The department has established links with a number of universities including Queen Mary University of London, LSE, and SOAS where our students can attend lectures and taster days.
Politics is taught by Ms Gard, Mr Cooper and Mr Lamontagne. For further information please contact Ms Gard, Head of Politics.
