politics

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in any Humanities subject at GCSE

Exam Board

Pearson (Edexcel)

Why Choose Politics?

Ernest Benn described politics as

‘’the art of looking for trouble, finding it whether it exists or not, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”

1. Politics helps you to know your rights
2. Politics clarifies what you yourself believe
3. Politics is a living, breathing subject
4. Politics helps you to understand our nation's parties
5. Politics prepares you for adult life 

What is Involved?

In the first year of the course, students will study British politics which is assessed in two examination papers. In one, they will explore the workings of democracy and the policies of different political parties, dissect voter behaviour and follow the role of the media in politics. Students will also appreciate key political ideologies of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism. In the next paper, students will understand the inner workings of government from how parliament functions to the role of the Prime Minister and the elusive British constitution. At a time of great constitutional change, in the wake of Brexit and changing leadership in the main political parties, this is the most exciting time to be studying British politics.

In the second year of study, students will explore another paper in U.S. politics. They will understand how the U.S. constitution works and why owning a gun is seen as a fundamental right, they will see just how much (or how little) power the President has, and whether Trump is really able to " build a great, great wall on our southern border, and…have Mexico pay for that wall”. They will discover the importance of the Supreme Court and how it controversially legalised same-sex marriage, and chart the rise of civil rights and racial struggles in the U.S. system. With a new President, A-level Politics will give you a valuable insight into arguably the most powerful country on earth.

Key Stage 5 Curriculum Maps