A Level Politics

Introduction – why choose this subject?

Lively, relevant, controversial… there are many ways to describe A-level Politics. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose. Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, A Level Politics helps you understand how the country is run and helps students develop research, written communication and debate skills. It also helps grow your confidence!

There are three broad areas of study in this specification:

• The government and politics of the UK

• The government and politics of the USA, and comparative politics

• Political ideas

The specification requires in depth study of UK and US government and politics. Students will be required to identify parallels, connections, similarities and differences between aspects of politics. This will ensure that students develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, political institutions and political processes.

The political ideas to be studied have relevance to both of the systems of government and politics. The study of the four ideologies will enhance the students’ knowledge and understanding of politics, political debate and political issues in both the UK and the USA. The skills developed in A Level Politics include evaluation, forming balanced arguments, analysing sources of information and interrogating evidence. Politics is a valuable subject for those wanting to study further humanities subjects at university but also a course that is valued very highly by universities regardless of the subject being studied.

How is the course examined?

The Politics A level is 100% exam based.

Component 1: Government and Politics of the UK (Y12)

Government and Politics of the UK is divided into ten sections. Each has a particular focus but their interrelationships must be understood to appreciate the complexities of the system. Students will study each of the prescribed sections

Component 2: Government and Politics of the USA (Y13)

Government and politics of the USA is divided into eight sections. Each has a particular focus but their interrelationships must be understood to appreciate the complexities of the system. Students will study each of the prescribed sections

Component 3: Political ideas (Y13)

Students should use the following three theoretical approaches to make a comparative study of the government and politics of the UK and the USA, analysing and explaining similarities and differences between them.

• Structural
• Rational
• Cultural.

Equipment

1 large lever arch file per unit

Lined paper

We recommend reading Politics Review magazine

AQA Revision guides (second edition)

Homework

Students are regularly set exam questions as practice for homework.

Learning outside the classroom

Politics teachers run the Ethics Club

Students are also expected to follow current affairs and events that are relevant to their studies.