A Level
Course Overview
Politics is an exciting and challenging course that tackles some of the biggest questions about the way in which our country is run, as well as focusing on the difference between US and UK politics.
If you’re interested in current affairs and want to learn more about the people who lead our country, this is the course for you.
During the first year of the course, you will look at UK Politics and Government, covering topics such as elections, political parties, pressure groups, Parliament, and the Prime Minister. The topics are examined both in terms of the powers of the institutions and how individuals have used these powers to try and achieve their aims. In the second year, you will study US government and politics, and see how it compares with that of the UK.
The subject can be studied in combination with a range of others but English, History, Law and Social Sciences are the most common combination. The main requirements are an interest in Politics and the ability to express yourself well on paper.
Course Topics
- Reforming the electoral system
- Use of referendums in the UK
- Why electors vote for the parties that they do
- Why so many people do not vote in elections
- The use of Direct Action by pressure groups
- What the role of an MP should be
- Should the House of Lords be abolished?
- Is the prime minister too powerful?
- What were the main reasons for the result in the US Presidential election?
- Where does power lie in the US system of Government?
Testimonials
The curriculum offered at the Sixth Form College appealed to me. The staff have been a great benefit to my learning and have enhanced my enjoyment. Spending a lot of time in the learning resource centre in a quiet space is great for independent study.
Alfie Haddon
Previously: Moorside High School
Studying: A Level English Literature, History and Politics
Course Features
- Learn all about the way the country is run and who holds power in the U.K. Government.
- Get an insight into the way voting and elections work in the U.K. and abroad.
- Explore some of the key ideologies in politics, such as Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism and Feminism.
- You will have the opportunity to benefit from exciting guest speakers, which in the past has included: Sir Keir Starmer, Ed Miliband, John Bercow, Alan Johnson and Tristram Hunt. A range of academic enrichment trips, including Parliament and Washington DC.
ASSESSMENT
- Exams: 100%
- Awarding Body: Edexcel
results
2022
- Pass Rate – 100%
- High Grades – 83%
Where Courses Become Careers
The vast majority of our Politics students progress onto university and many take related degrees: Politics, International Relations or Public Administration
This subject is particularly useful if you are looking for a career in law, in the Civil Service or in local government. One of our former students went on to become an MP and a number are now local councillors. Politics A Level also gives you essential transferrable skills that would be useful in a wide range of careers, such as journalism, marketing and human resources.
Make your mark
How SFC will help you to boost your CV by developing your skills and qualifications…
Any potential employer who sees that an applicant has studied Politics will realise that this is someone who takes an interest in the world at large and is likely to be a valuable asset to any team.
As part of the course all students will visit the Houses of Parliament and be involved in liaison activities with the Politics and International Relations departments of local and Russell Group universities.
The nature of this course and the activities undertaken within it will hone your communication skills, creativity, independence of thought, your respect for the views of others and problem solving skills.
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