POLITICS
A Level

A level Politics at KGV reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving political environment in the UK and around the world. Our course includes a broad range of relevant and contemporary ideas, institutions, processes and issues to support learning about politics. Assessments will develop your skills in critical thinking and analysis, using a variety of question types, sources and materials and consists of three externally examined papers.

Component One looks at ‘UK Politics and Core Political Ideas’, covering four main content areas including democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems and voting behaviour and the media. You will also study a variety of political beliefs, gaining insight into socialism, conservatism and liberalism.

Component Two is based on the ‘UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas' where students examine the roles and relationships of the UK constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister, Supreme Court and European Union. Non-core political ideas such as Feminism, Multiculturalism or Nationalism may also be analysed in this component.

The final component then allows you to explore and investigate the world of global politics. You will gain an understanding of abstract political concepts through grounding them in contemporary real-world examples, with case studies that will develop an international awareness and knowledge of multiple perspectives.

More about the course

Politics is in a constant state of flux, it affects everything and all we do in life. Put simply, it is the means by which societies decide why, how and to whom resources are allocated, therefore power and decision making are at the heart of politics. If you are interested, intrigued or frustrated by the way the world is run then Politics is for you; this course allows you to gain insight into the nature of politics and how people engage with the political process in the UK and beyond, encouraging you to explore your own views and be challenged by the views of others.

Politics is a good subject for both humanities and social science degrees as it develops critical thinking skills, which can be used to interpret, evaluate and comment on ideas and events. It complements Sociology, History, Law, English and Geography A levels and can lead to career pathways to research, diplomacy, campaigning, law and journalism.

A level Politics is divided into a number of components covering a broad spectrum of political themes including:

UK Politics and UK Government: You will study and discuss such questions as ‘What is Brexit all about and why is it happening?’, ‘What powers does the Prime Minister have?’, ‘Why was the result of the 2017 General Election such a surprise?’, and ‘Is Britain truly democratic?’
Political Ideas: You will examine some of the great ideas that have shaped our world for good or ill, including Liberalism, Socialism, and Conservatism; and at the work and influence of key political thinkers such as Karl Marx, Mary Wollstonecraft and Edmund Burke.
US Politics: Find out the answers to questions like ‘How did Donald Trump become President?’, ‘Why it so easy to have a gun in the USA?’, and ‘Why is race such a big issue in America?’ You will also have the opportunity to compare and contrast US and UK politics.

Why choose Politics at KGV

Studying A level Politics at KGV will deepen your understanding of our shared world. You will study highly current topics and themes which help you explore and understand the significant changes that are beginning to impact our lives. We aim to enhance your ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics by encouraging discussion and debate and you will be encouraged to think more widely about how other political systems may differ and respond to their own challenges.

Politics is a new addition to KGV and we are very excited to see what our students go on to study at University. This course provides a good platform for students who go on to study Law, Philosophy, International Relations, Economics, Geography, History.