A level departments

Politics

Making sense of the world around us.

What we study

Politics is offered at A level and gives students the opportunity to make sense of modern politics both in the United Kingdom and further afield. Following the new linear Edexcel syllabus, the first year of the course primarily focuses on the political processes of the United Kingdom and comprises two units: ‘UK Government’ and ‘UK politics’. The purpose of the course is to build political awareness and to develop the students’ understanding of how the modern world functions, of the complex issues that confront politicians and of the difficult decisions they frequently have to make.

An important feature of the politics course is that it is constantly being updated to stay in touch with live issues and live debates.

In the second year of the course, we combine a topic focusing on the government of the USA with a parallel topic introducing core and non-core political ideologies. These two units enable the students to deepen their understanding of the wider world, both in terms of abstract ideas and of the importance of the very distinctive political practises of the USA. This blend of topics naturally brings an important and intellectually stimulating comparative approach to the study of politics which will equip students well for a wide range of degree courses.

Beyond the curriculum

The Politics department has its own Politics Society. We have regular visitors from the world of politics as well as academics who speak on a range of topics that go beyond the confines of the curriculum, as well as student talks.

As a department we organise many events that coincide with national political occasions. In 2019, for example, we held a school mock election where students of politics organised and participated in a school-wide vote.

Each year, students participate in wide variety of university essay competitions such as the R.A. Butler Prize for essays in Politics and International Studies.

Every year we also run a trip to Parliament and the Supreme Court where students get the opportunity to tour the buildings and meet their local MP.

Where it might lead

Studying politics is perfectly suited to students looking to study PPE or HSPS at Oxford and Cambridge respectively. There are also a diverse range of courses on offer at other universities, such as international relations, where politics is an ideal option. Every year many students opt for politics to add diversity and breadth to their A level choices.

Politics can lead to challenging and fulfilling careers in law, the civil service, and other professions.

Students smiling as they walk through the grounds of the school.

Qualification
A level

Board
Edexcel

Mode of Assessment
100% examinations

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Results and destinations

Results and destinations