Why study this subject?

If you enjoy finding out about current affairs and trying to find out about the world around you, politics may be the subject for you. Political parties, Brexit, General Elections, and so on, will be discussed and debated, hopefully enhancing your knowledge. Also, if you want to gain skills which are highly valued by a huge variety of employers, then Politics might be the subject to choose.

Course Video

What will the subject include?

Currently, the A Level is assessed as shown.

• Component 1 is Government and Politics of the UK
• Component 2 is the Government & Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics (UK/USA)
• Component 3 is Political Ideas (Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism, others)

For further information, click here.

Where will it lead?

Looked upon favourably when applying to many universities. Politician (who knows where our future politicians may come from, it could be YOU!), Political Historian, Government and Politics Teacher, Lawyer, Journalist, Commentator, Researcher

What other subjects compliment this subject?

History, Law, English Literature, Geography, Psychology, English Language

Subject specific requirements?

You need to have a minimum level 5/6 in English Literature and English Language. A willingness to work hard, reading extensively and able to undertake your own independent learning.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Questions you probably want the answer to answered by our current Year 12 students.

How many hours a week do you spend in the classroom with the teacher for the subject?
9 hours over 2 weeks. For Year 12 Politics you will spend those hours covering Government and Politics of the UK and different political ideas.

What do you study in Year 12 Politics?
You will study UK politics in Year 12; ‘Governing the UK’ and ‘People, Politics and Participation in the UK’
You also start examining work related to paper 3 at the end of Year 12 (Politcal Ideas, e.g. Socialism, Liberalism, etc.)

How many hours a week would you spend outside of class on independent study for Politics?
The minimum would be 2 hours the maximum 5 hours. The main objective is to keep on top of, and show an interest in, current affairs

What skills does the subject develop?
Communication skills as you become part of a study group for UK politics, discussing topical issues. Excellent organisational skills, as well as the ability to analyse and evaluate a range of sources/extracts. The subject develops both a depth and breadth of knowledge along with the ability to construct a well written extended essay.

What skills/qualities are required to succeed in this course?
You must have good time management & organisational skills to cope with the workload. You will need to be resilient and be willing to act on feedback as there is such a huge jump from GCSE to A level which means you go from getting 8’s and 9’s to possibly 8/25 on your first essay. However, after an initial period of adjustment you see your marks do improve making it incredibly worthwhile. So you must be determined.

How much work am I expected to do outside of class?
Quite a lot of research, keeping on top of topical issues. Knowledge tests will be carried out periodically and essay questions set. These may be given out in advance so you can prepare for these longer type questions.

What can I expect from the teaching staff?
You can expect the staff to possess high quality knowledge. They also provide thorough feedback with suggested improvements to make. Continuous communication particularly through email and they always make themselves available. Staff are always very helpful and fair in the amount of work set and the standard they expect it to be at (which is high) but will always push you to achieve the best outcome you must be prepared to accept and act on criticism as it is always given to help students improve.

What advice would you, as a Year 12, give me as a Year 11 student thinking about taking Politics?
‘The course will seem overwhelming at first and is a lot of work, but politics is worth sticking with as it is very rewarding (if you have an interest in government and politics to begin with). Knowledge of current affairs is essential however.’ Jack, Year 12
‘Understand how content heavy the subject is, don’t just do it because you know may have occasionally watched Question Time. Do it because you really love politics.’ Ben, Year 12

How will I be assessed?
Currently, the A Level is assessed as shown.
Component 1 is Government and Politics of the UK
Component 2 is the Government & Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics (UK/USA)
Component 3 is Political Ideas (Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism, others)

Paper 1 Written exam: 2 hours / 77 marks / 331/3 of A Level
Paper 2 Written exam: 2 hours / 77 marks / 331/3 of A Level
Paper 3 Written exam: 2 hours / 77 marks / 331/3 of A Level

What future careers could I use my Politics A level for?
Looked upon favourably when applying to many universities.
Politician (who knows where our future politicians may come from! It could be YOU!), political historian, Government and Politics teacher, lawyer, journalist, critic, researcher.

For examination board link, click here.