Edexcel A Level Politics
What’s it about?
A Level Government and Politics is a very exciting and dynamic subject that should be attractive to any students interested in current affairs and the British political system. This is an ideal subject for students keen on the humanities as it fits very well with subjects such as sociology, economics and history.
It develops skills in communication both orally and written as well as giving students an insight into the concept of power and where it lies in the United Kingdom. Students who study sciences have found the subject very rewarding as it gives them a broad balance of topics in the Sixth Form.
This specification also develops:
- Strong debating, presentation and writing skills
- Self-critical skills
- Opportunities for independent and autonomous study as well as teacher-led support
Entry Requirements:
We would recommend a grade 6 at GCSE in English. It is helpful if history at GCSE level has been studied but not essential.
Contacts:
Mrs. S. Osborne – Director of Teaching and Learning
The Canterbury Academy Sixth Form
Course Content
Using a range of engaging methods, we explore the following topics:
- UK politics: As part of political participation, students will study democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. As part of core political ideas, students will study conservatism, liberalism and socialism.
- UK government: As part of UK Government, students will study the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, and relationships between the branches. In addition, students will study one idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, and nationalism.
- Global politics: In the second year we study theories of global politics including sovereignty, global economics, human rights, global environment, power and developments, regionalism and the European Union.
Progression:
Having A Level Politics presents you as a person who can rationally debate a passionate subject, who understands the needs of the UK, who understands how the country is run and what affects it, who can look at arguments with an empathetic but level-headed view and who has great social knowledge. You will be a strong candidate for jobs in politics, international organisations, the media, government and political parties or civil service.
Having A Level Politics can lead you to university degree courses in politics, sociology, ethics, philosophy, advertising, media studies, cinema studies and journalism amongst others, but you will need other complimentary A Levels for your chosen education and career path.