Politics

Why Choose this course?

It is not necessary to have studied Politics at GCSE to undertake this A Level course. What is necessary is a lively, enquiring mind and willingness to work hard. It would suit students who enjoy reading, note making and essay writing, but it also involves plenty of lively discussion and debate.

Students are encouraged to use a wide range of media to enhance their political knowledge and awareness. Above all, it is an 'alive', interesting subject which deals with topics and issues that receive daily coverage in all sections of the media. You will develop a strong understanding of decision-making both in the UK and US and critically evaluate their effectiveness and how this impacts current affairs.

In A- level Government & Politics, you will learn about political systems in the UK and USA, what powers are held by different bodies, organisations and individuals, and how people have a say in the government. Key topics you will cover in Year 12 include the ways that the government and the people communicate and evaluating how adequate our system of representative democracy and participation is; the role of the Prime Minister and how much power he holds as an individual's; and developing a critical understanding of the role and effectiveness of key institutions in the UK.

During Year 13, you will cover the American system, including the electoral system, the party system and the relationship between the Democrats and Republicans; the Constitution and analysing its effectiveness; and evaluating the role of the President and the capacity of recent Presidents to provide leadership.

In addition, you will study core and non-core political ideas. Core political concepts include Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism. Students will also explore one non-core political concept from; Nationalism, Feminism, Ecologism, Anarchism or Multiculturalism.

Prospects

The skills which are developed are useful in Law, Management, Banking, Social Work, Civil Service, Political Research, Local Government, Teaching, Journalism and Television. Politics affects everyday life, and you will develop transferable skills and knowledge to evaluate and understand some of the most important forces shaping the future of us all. Politics A-Level can lead to degrees in Politics or International Relations as well as combined course e/g/ with History, English, Law, or a language.

Course Content

PAPER 1: UK Politics Section A: Political Participation:
Democracy and Participation
Political Parties
Electoral Systems
Voting Behaviour and the Media

Section B: Core Political Ideas Conservatism - Liberalism - Socialism

2 hour exam

PAPER 2: UK Government
Section A: UK Government
The Constitution
Parliament
Prime Minister and the Executive
Relationships between these branches

Section B - Optional Political Ideas One of: Anarchism / Ecologism / Feminism / Multiculturalism / Nationalism

2 hour exam

PAPER 3: Comparative Politics-USA
The US Constitution and federalism US Congress US Presidency US Supreme Court Democracy and participation Civil rights

2 hour exam

Course Opportunities/ Activities

Our students have had the opportunity to attend lectures within the wider Liverpool area, given by examiners from the board, as well as experts in UK and US Politics. The session concluded with a workshop which addressed common mistakes made by students in examinations, as well as advice on writing A* and A grade essays.

Visits to A Level lectures in Manchester and London are arranged whenever appropriate.

Matthew Hill, an expert in US Politics and International Relations from Liverpool John Moores University visited Broughton Hall to share his knowledge on Trump's Presidency. Year 12 and 13 Politics students are visiting the University for a series of seminars in Spring, 2023

Support and Challenge

Students are given the skills and confidence they need to be successful through initial support, recognising that this is a new subject for all students. We use writing frames/scaffolding to support initial exam-style work. Model answers are given, as marked by examiners, and we identify what a good Politics essay looks like. Regular exam-style questions are set, so that students become familiar with the style and standards required. Personalised, detailed feedback is given and students reflect and improve their answers.

Students requiring extra support may be invited to work with G Aster in the study. Similarly, intervention and supported revision is offered during students' study sessions and after school.

Student Comment

Government and Politics is undoubtedly one of the most interesting subjects you can study at 6th Form. You cover a wide range of topics stretching from the inner workings of government, the extent to which we have rights in the UK, what factors allow parties to win general elections, how the US political system works and much more.