Subject Intent: Why Politics?
A-level Politics enables students to question the structures and systems that shape their lives on a daily basis. The intent of the course encourages student to think critically and form developed arguments grounded in their own knowledge and experience. Politics allows students to gain a deeper understanding of their own country not just as it is today but how it has been shaped by past events, as well as covering aspects of economics, sociology and philosophy.
The course also has strong links to contemporary issues that young people preparing for life outside of the school environment should be aware of such as human and civil rights, individual liberty and the value of a society that values democracy and free expression. Students will also encounter viewpoints both from course content but also their peers that do not align with their own, and will develop the skills to engage with arguments and individuals whose ideas differ from their own in a mature and professional way.
What will I study?
Component 1: UK Politics
- Democracy and political participation.
- UK political parties.
- Electoral systems.
- Voting behaviour and the media.
- Core political ideas: conservatism, liberalism, and socialism.
- The constitution.
- Parliment.
- The prime minister and the cabinet.
- Relations between the branches.
- Non-core political ideas: nationalism.
- The constitution.
- The presidency.
- Congress.
- The Supreme Court.
- Comparative approaches - how do US/UK politics compare?
Politics
Please note: Subject videos have been filmed from colleges across our Trust.
What are lessons like in this subject?
Studying Pearson Edexcel A-level Politics is engaging, current, and debate-driven. The course covers UK politics and government, political ideologies (like socialism, conservatism, and liberalism), and global politics, including international relations and global institutions. You'll explore how political systems work, how power is distributed, and how political decisions affect society. It’s ideal for students who enjoy following the news, debating issues, and thinking critically about democracy, rights, and global affairs. Assessments are essay-based, so strong writing and argumentation skills are important. The content is dynamic and constantly evolving, making it a subject that feels relevant and thought-provoking.
What our
students
A Level politics did not change my views but helped me better understand my views and the world around me, providing me with the ability to articulate my own views. The course has helped me develop my own understanding of politics and my skills of critical thinking and formulating judgements, especially in the volatile political climate we face in the UK/EU/US today.
Jack Salter, Achworth School
