Departmental contact
Mr Sykes – [email protected]
Examining board & Qualification
Edexcel – A LEVEL
Entry requirements
Please see current prospectus for further information
Students say
“Politics provides a real insight into the world of today. It is not a subject based in a text book; instead it allows you to experience the political drama as it happens. The discussions, activities and visits all add to our understanding. This is why I am passionate about politics and wish to study it at university.”
WHY STUDY THIS SUBJECT?
If you have an interest in the news stories about the country you live in and are prepared to discuss current issues, then you will enjoy this subject. Politics influences all of us, whether or not we are interested in what goes on at Westminster, so it seems sensible to find out as much as possible about the people, policies and institutions which shape our everyday life.
WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
- You will develop a lively and enquiring mind, along with the ability to work in a group and present a point of view, sometimes not necessarily the one you favour!
- You will learn how to assess evidence and present a logical and coherent argument.
- You will develop the skills to analyse questions and then write relevant answers.
- You will develop a critical understanding of the theories, motives and values which underpin political decision making.
WHAT WILL I STUDY?
Paper 1 UK Politics and Core Ideas
Paper 2 UK Government and Core Ideas
Paper 3 Global Politics
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Three two-hour papers at the end of Year 13.
WHAT ARE MY POST-18 OPTIONS?
Politics combines well with a range of subjects in the Social Sciences and Humanities. For those students wishing to embark on Higher Education it can help lead to university courses in areas such as Business, Law, Media, Economics, Sociology, Languages, History and of course Politics.
WHAT EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE?
Visits to the Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Politics Conference and the London Revision Conference are arranged for all students studying politics. Also, visits from local politicians and local politics society participation when relevant for this examined course.
