Politics
We study politics because it is a fascinating, highly relevant and important subject. As well as studying contemporary issues it is also a compelling human drama. It is a constantly changing discipline which means that by studying politics we literally learn something new every day. We also study politics to better understand not only the country in which we live, but also the wider world. The study of politics has an international dimension with its focus on global political issues. As such we are better equipped to be active citizens in a diverse, multicultural society.
Principles
We learn politics by:
- developing critical thinking skills to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics, political ideas and political events.
- reading extensively and having an up to date knowledge of current affairs in the UK and the wider world.
- analysing and evaluate a range of sources.
- using extended writing to develop coherent and reasonable arguments,
- to hold a point of view on political issues of the day and to be able to justify those views.
- developing an interdisciplinary approach, by placing political events in their historical context.
- taking part in debates, discussing their ideas and presenting to an audience.
Key Stage 5 content
Component 1, Part 1: Political participation – democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.
Component 1, Part 2: Core political ideas – conservatism, liberalism, socialism.
Component 2, Part 1: UK Government – the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between branches.
Component 2, Part 2: Non-core political ideas – feminism.
Component 3: Comparative politics (USA) – the US constitution and federalism, US Congress, US Presidency, US Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation, comparative theories.
Exam Specifications
Edexcel | 9PLO | A Level Politics
