Course Overview

Politics offers the theoretical framework behind the actions of government and promotes a deeper appreciation about what we read and watch in the media. It examines the political systems in both the UK and USA, the key political thinkers that helped shape these political systems, and the way the public engage with and participate in political action.

Politics explores the structure of key institutions such as legislative bodies, executives and judiciary and the power balance and relationships between them. It explores key debates around the democracies in the UK and USA and analyses the extent current systems uphold key western values.

Previously, students have had the opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament, touring the building and gaining firsthand experience of UK politics and government. Politics has close ties with the Law A Level, which gives an opportunity for a residential trip to London to tour several political and legislative sites and explore the city. In addition, students have been involved with Bridgwater Town Council Youth Forum to represent the College and give ideas and opinions on town development.

Topics include:

• UK politics
• Core political ideas, e.g. conservatism, liberalism and socialism
• UK government
• Non-core political ideas, e.g. anarchism
• Government and politics of the USA.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed through written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.

Your final A Level exam will be made up of three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of year two.

Progression Options

Politics complements many Higher Education programmes and develops transferable skills such as debating, interpretation and source analysis. These complement any university degrees, but particularly politics, international relations, history, law and any other of the humanities or social sciences.

The Politics A Level is also a complementary subject for those considering jobs in politics, business, the armed forces or working abroad.