Politics
Pearson Edexcel A-Level Politics – 9PL0
Course Leader: Mr Bill Pringle – billpringle@kba.uk
WHAT WILL I NEED BEFORE TAKING THIS COURSE?
Students should achieve a minimum of Grade 6 in GCSE English Language or a Humanities/Social Sciences subject. Strong analytical, communication, and critical-thinking skills will support success in this course.
Students should have an interest in current affairs, enjoy discussion and debate, and be willing to consider different viewpoints. The ability to construct reasoned arguments, verbally and in essay form, evaluate evidence and communicate ideas clearly will be valuable throughout the course.
WHAT WILL I DO?
Why study this subject?
Government and Politics is one of the most dynamic and relevant subjects you can study at A level. It helps you understand how decisions that affect all our lives are made, where power resides and how it is used, and how and why governments act as they do. If you want to make sense of current affairs and gain a better understanding of how our politics and society functions this is the course for you!
Politics is about how society and our communities operate and develop. It explores important questions about power, authority, democracy, rights and responsibilities, political participation and the ideas that shape our world.
Almost every area of our lives is affected by politics, including education, employment, health, the economy, the environment, law and order, human rights and international relations. Studying Politics helps you understand how decisions are made and how individuals can influence the world around them.
You will explore contemporary political issues, examine different political viewpoints and develop the skills to research, analyse and evaluate information. You will learn to construct balanced arguments, communicate confidently and become a well-informed, active citizen.
COURSE CONTENT AND COMPONENTS
The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Politics course is divided into three main areas of study, assessed through three written examinations.
Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas
You will explore how people participate in politics and how political power operates within the UK.
Topics include:
- Democracy and political participation
- Political parties
- Electoral systems
- Voting behaviour and the media
- Core political ideas: Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism
You will consider how democratic the UK is, how people influence political decisions and how different political ideologies shape society.
Component 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas
You will investigate how the UK government operates and how political institutions work together.
Topics include:
- The UK Constitution
- Parliament
- The Prime Minister and Executive
- Relationships between the branches of government
- One non-core political idea: Anarchism, Ecologism, Feminism, Multiculturalism or Nationalism
You will examine where political power lies, how laws are made and how effectively the UK's political institutions operate.
Component 3: Comparative Politics – The USA
You will study the political system of the United States and compare it with the UK, exploring similarities and differences between the two countries.
Topics include:
- The US Constitution and federalism
- The US Congress
- The US Presidency
- The US Supreme Court
- Elections and political parties
- Political participation and democracy
This comparative element develops your understanding of different political systems and encourages you to evaluate how political institutions and processes operate in different countries.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
A-Level Politics is assessed through three written examinations at the end of Year 13. Each examination lasts two hours and contributes one-third of the final A-Level grade.
Paper 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas
- Written examination
- 2 hours
- 33⅓% of the final A-Level grade
Paper 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas
- Written examination
- 2 hours
- 33⅓% of the final A-Level grade
Paper 3: Comparative Politics – The USA
- Written examination
- 2 hours
- 33⅓% of the final A-Level grade
Throughout the course, students develop their knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes and ideas. They also learn to interpret political information, analyse different viewpoints, construct persuasive arguments and reach balanced, evidence-based judgements.
PROGRESSION – WHAT CAN I DO AT THE END OF THE COURSE?
A-Level Politics is an excellent preparation for higher education and a wide range of careers. It is particularly valuable for students interested in understanding society, government, law and international affairs.
Students may progress to university courses and careers in areas such as:
- Politics and International Relations
- Law
- Journalism and Media
- History and Sociology
- Economics and Business
- Teaching and Education
- Public Policy and Political Research
- Local and Central Government
- The Civil Service
- Social Services and the Voluntary Sector
The course develops highly transferable skills in research, communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and reasoned decision-making. These skills are valued by universities and employers across many different professions, both in the UK and internationally.