Politics

Politics is an option that will appeal to students who want to understand how the political systems of the UK and the USA operate. It focuses on how these systems are administered today rather than on an historic basis and, therefore, an interest in current affairs is an essential requirement for this course. There is a lot of discussion, debate and argument involved in the teaching and learning of this subject and it will, therefore, appeal to students who enjoy such activities, although the ability to research and to write well-reasoned answers is also necessary.

Politics teaches people how to think for themselves, how to argue persuasively and how to be critical in the use of information. It is, therefore, useful in any career that uses these skills such as the law, journalism, publishing or business.

Course content and assessment

The Politics course followed is that provided by Edexcel. There are no specific entry grade requirements, but students will usually have achieved a good pass grade at GCSE in subjects such as English and History, which have transferable skills.

The course is now linear, over two years, and consists of three components: UK Politics, UK Government and a comparative study of the USA political system. The UK politics unit includes the study of democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media along with core political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism. The UK Government unit includes the study of the constitution, Parliament, the Prime Minister and the executive. The USA component includes the study of the Constitution and federalism, Congress, the Presidency, the Supreme Court, civil rights and democracy and participation. Assessment is through three written examinations of two hours each.

Additional features

There is a wealth of resources available both within the school and outside. The department is well-resourced with books and other materials and there is a well-stocked section in the library. The daily news always raises issues and events which are relevant and every student should endeavour to read a good quality daily newspaper and to follow news broadcasts and other political programmes on the radio and/or television, for example ‘the Andrew Marr Show’ on Sunday mornings, to stay up-to-date with political developments.

What subjects does Politics combine with?

Politics can be combined with subjects such as Economics, Business Studies or History, to add to a deeper understanding of the Social Sciences, or it can be studied alongside very different subjects, like Mathematics and the Sciences, to add breadth to a student’s studies.

Entry Requirements

No specific requirements, but students will usually have achieved a good pass grade at GCSE in subjects such as English and History.

Course Offered

A Level Edexcel Politics

An interest in current affairs is essential.

Sinéad Lynch, Head of Politics