Politics - A Level

You will develop critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions, and processes.

Year 12 focuses on UK Politics and Government, including structures of authority and power.  You will also examine key political ideologies that influence our world.

Year 13 focuses on political ideologies and global politics.

There are three key components to this course:

Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas

This section explores the nature of politics  and how people engage in the political  process in the UK. You will explore democracy and participation, political  parties, electoral systems and voting behaviour and the media. You will consider the strengths and weaknesses of  current systems. You will also study the three traditional political ideas of  conservatism, liberalism and socialism; examining their key principles and ideas.  

Component 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas

This component looks at how the UK government works and will enable you to understand where, how and by whom political decisions are made. You will study the constitution, parliament, the prime minister and executive and parliament. You will come to  understand where power lies in the political system. For this paper, students  will also learn about one non-core political idea from anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism and nationalism.

Component 3: Comparative Politics - Global Politics

Global politics gives you the opportunity to develop an understanding of local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity. You will study the state and globalisation, political and economic global governance, human rights and environmental policy, how power changes on the international stage and regionalism and the EU. Throughout this you will need to apply the comparative  political theories of realism and liberalism to what you have studied. This unit will require you to evaluate the feasibility and  effectiveness of global institutions such as the United Nations and European Union.

All three components of the course will be assessed with 2 hour exams, each worth a third of the total marks.

You will be expected to use current examples to support your answers.

This is a heavily essay-based course, with 100% of marks being allocated across the three final exams taken at the end of Year 13.

• Minimum of grade 6 in a humanities subject (History, Geography or Religious Studies) OR a grade 6 in English Language.
• A high-level of written communication skills are essential.
• Students must be able to write well-structured essays that explore two sides of an argument and reach a balanced judgement.

• Visit the Houses of Parliament
• Question and answer sessions with MPs and Lords.
• Participation in co-curricular opportunities such as "The Cabinet Office's Spending Challenge".
• Talks by General Election candidates.
• Model United Nations competitions.

A Level Politics provides a strong foundation for careers in government, law, journalism, and research, fostering critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.

Politics students have recently progressed on to degrees in Law, Politics, International Relations, International Development, History, Economics, Sociology and PPE.

Students have also applied for apprenticeships with The Civil Service who offer a number of apprenticeship routes allowing for on-the-job training whilst earning and learning.

Year 13 student

"Studying Politics at Coombe Sixth Form has been an amazing experience. The lessons involve structured debates that allow everyone to get involved and voice their own opinion. The course gives you a reall insight into how the world is run and the teachers provide a supportive environment.

It's the perfect preparation for a Law degree at University and hopefully a career as a barrister."