Course content & format

A Level Government and Politics is an engaging and relevant course for students who want to understand how power works, how decisions are made, and how political ideas shape the world around us. Politics affects every aspect of daily life, from the laws we live by to the way public services are funded and society is governed.

This is a two-year A Level course, normally studied alongside two other A Levels or equivalent qualifications. You will develop knowledge of political systems, institutions, ideologies and current affairs, while also building strong skills in analysis, debate, evaluation and extended writing.

At this college, students study three components:

· UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

· UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas

· Comparative Politics: USA

In UK Politics, you will study topics such as democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. Alongside this, you will explore the core political ideas of liberalism, conservatism and socialism. In UK Government, you will examine the constitution, parliament, the Prime Minister and executive, the relationship between the branches of government, and non-core political ideas, which Pearson specifies as an optional ideology such as feminism, nationalism, multiculturalism, ecologism or anarchism. In Comparative Politics: USA, you will compare the political systems of the UK and the United States, including constitutions, legislatures, executives, judiciaries, democracy and participation, and civil rights.

Lessons use a variety of approaches, including discussion, debate, case studies, source analysis, presentations, group work and essay writing. The course is particularly well suited to students who are interested in current affairs and enjoy questioning, analysing and evaluating different viewpoints.

Your unique experience

If you are interested in how societies are governed and how political decisions affect people’s lives, A Level Government and Politics offers an excellent opportunity to explore these issues in depth. The course encourages you to engage actively with the world around you and to think critically about contemporary political events and debates.

You may take part in activities such as debates, mock elections and model parliamentary exercises to deepen your understanding of political processes and develop your confidence in public speaking and argument. Students may also benefit from enrichment opportunities such as guest speakers, Q&A sessions, competitions and visits linked to politics and public life.

Studying Government and Politics helps you develop valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, communication, independent research and the ability to construct clear, evidence-based arguments.

Entry Qualifications

Entry requirements for A Level courses

· Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics.

· A strong interest in and enthusiasm for, the subject chosen.

· A willingness to commit to regular Independent Study outside of lesson time, as A Level courses require a high level of motivation, organisation and academic commitment.

· An interview may be required as part of the application process.

Please note: some courses have additional entry requirements.

How is this course assessed?

This course is assessed through three written examinations, all taken at the end of the two-year programme:

· Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas – 2 hours, 33.3%

· Component 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas – 2 hours, 33.3%

· Component 3: Comparative Politics: USA – 2 hours, 33.3%

Final grading follows the A Level grading system: A to E*.

What can I do next?

A Level Government and Politics provides an excellent foundation for further study and careers that involve analysis, communication, decision-making and understanding public issues.

Possible progression routes include:

· Higher Education

· Employment

· Apprenticeships or degree apprenticeships

This qualification can support progression into areas such as:

· Politics

· International Relations

· Law

· History

· Sociology

· Public Policy

· Journalism

· Public Administration

· Campaigning and Communications

· Civil Service and Local Government