Politics

KS5

Politics – A-Level Qualification

Examining Body:

Edexcel

Entry Criteria:

Level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements

Course Leader:

Mrs K Remer

Why? :

Some people claim that the political system is full of greedy, self-serving corruption; others are more hopeful that people go into politics to strive for change. Wherever you stand, this course will help you understand how the UK is governed and how citizens participate in the political process. We will also study how countries interact with each other on the global stage. Politics develops a range of transferable skills essential in a variety of careers, in or beyond the field of politics. You will find opportunities to focus on written and verbal skills needed to present and discuss opinions critically and draw logical conclusions.

Course Structure:

Component 1: Politics and Participation

This topic looks at political behaviour in the UK. It explores how patterns can be explained, including voting behaviour, the influence of electoral systems and the controversies surrounding the use of referendums. You will study the main channels of influencing decisions of government: joining a pressure group, using social media, supporting a political party and voting.

Component 2: UK Government

This unit focuses on the process of governing the UK exploring how power is dispersed from local to European levels. The unit also looks at the extent to which Britain’s unique constitution regulates the process of government and maintains the balance between individual rights and state powers. The role of Westminster in providing a democratic element in government is examined plus the degree to which power rests in the hands of unelected bureaucrats.

Component 3: Comparative Politics

We live in an increasingly connected world, whether in terms of trade, culture or politics. There are more and more opportunities for different peoples and countries to work together, yet there are examples of peoples and countries moving back from global operation. In this component we will study the theories and examples of cooperation and competition between countries and look at the hotspots and rising stars of global politics.

As part of components 1 and 2, students will study 4 political ideologies and their influence: Conservatism, Socialism, Liberalism and either Nationalism or Feminism.

Extended Learning:

Students will be expected to keep up-to-date with current issues in politics. The course will also involve preparing for discussions outside of lessons by learning about the process of politics.