What will I be learning? 

The course is made up of three main units: 

• Component 1: UK Politics & Core Political Ideology (conservatism, liberalism and socialism) – This covers the principles of our political system as well as how the party system works as well as the influence of the media on politics. The ideology section covers the core principles of these different core ideologies as well as the different strands, for exam ‘new right’ versus ‘one nation’ conservatism
• Component 2: UK Government & Non-Core Political Ideology (nationalism) – This covers the UK constitution, the functions of parliament, and the relationship between the different parliamentary institutions. Our non-core ideology is nationalism
• Component 3: Government & Politics of the USA – This is a comparative unit, studying similarities and differences between the UK and US systems of government

How will I be assessed?

Students will complete three exams, one each for component 1, 2 and 3. These are each worth 33.3% of their grade. 

Independent Study Opportunities

The study of politics is requires knowledge of current events, so we recommend a number of news and media outlets, so students are able to link the concepts studied to contemporary events. Something that is incredibly fast-paced in modern-day politics! Students will have access to a number of additional reading lists, both fiction and non-fiction, as well as recommended documentaries to complete during their independent study time.

What resources do I need? 

Students will be required to bring standard equipment, such as their folder and stationery, to lessons.

Will I go on any trips?

Each year, we take the students on a visit to the Houses of Parliament where we take a tour and complete a variety of workshops. Last year, we were lucky enough to witness debates in the Commons about the controversial awarding of PPE contracts to friends of Ministers and have a Q&A with Oliver Heald, our local MP.

What careers could this lead on to?

The study of politics is a rigorous academic discipline, developing skills that our helpful and well respected by universities, regardless of your chosen course. Future careers could be in the fields of:

• Law
• Politics
• Journalism
• Media and broadcasting
• Marketing

What grades do I need for this course?

An Average Point Score of a 4 is needed. As politics is a literacy-based subject, we recommend that students are consistently achieving at least a grade 5 in English GCSE.