Entry Requirements

GCSE History, Geography or Religious Studies or English Language or Literature at Grade 5 or higher. 

Exam Board: AQA

Why Study Politics?

“We don’t always like politicians and the things that governments do... but the business of politics touches every aspect of our lives. And whilst we might criticise governments for some of their policies, it has to be better than having no government at all.”

These are the opening words in AQA’s “Why choose Politics” booklet. However you may take exception to this or you may whole-heartedly agree, you may take the view that that you just don’t care!

But you should!!

Decisions are made in your name all the time, policies are developed and those policies put into practice but how can you affect those policies, should you or is politics something that should be left to an elitist group, those who may know better or are better placed than you or I! Or you think its clearly all a mess and there is nothing I can do!

Politics at RR6 has grown in popularity with more and more students choosing it as a first choice subject with last year’s co-hort going on to study Politics at Cambridge and International relations at a number of prestigious universities. So join us and continue to grow the subject.

What Topics Will I Study?

Politics is lively, relevant, controversial … There is no doubt that it arouses strong opinions. Covering news and current affairs from the UK and USA. The A-level Politics specification is designed to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics.

Students acquire knowledge of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the United Kingdom and similarly that of the USA. In a significant change from the outgoing specification the two have a comparative element so for example you may consider the power of the Trump presidency with that of a Johnson premiership! (subject to any election!)

Finally, the introduction of a third element of Political Ideology. These include:

• the three traditional ideologies of Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism

• one of either: feminism, nationalism, multiculturalism, ecologism or anarchism.

In consultation with our students we elected to study nationalism. The following statement may have had something to do with the decision:

“You know what a globalist is right? A globalist is a person that wants the globe to do well, frankly, not caring about our country so much. “We can’t have that. They have a word, it sort of became old fashioned - it’s called a "nationalist"

“Really, we’re not supposed to use that word. You know what I am? I’m a nationalist, okay? I’m a nationalist. Use that word.” * (the identity of the author will be given at the end!)

Essential Requirement

To quote a colleague "To study politics and not follow the news is like studying Cookery without any ingredients". The examining board rewards students for their knowledge of relevant political events and therefore you should have an active interest in news and current affairs. This should mean that you watch and listen to appropriate programs and more likely than not have access to appropriate news feeds. 

How Will I Be Assessed?

Each of the three units are equal in value and assessed in three separate 2 hour exam papers. Furthermore each has a mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions. 

An Example/Illustration of the Type of Work Involved

You will be involved in debates and discussions often informed by independent completion of background reading and written tasks which is useful preparation for the work place. Students will also experience a wide range of teaching strategies and activities such as student presentations, debates and the use of video link. 

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

Politics has been a highly respected academic subject amongst Russell group universities with strong links to other subjects in higher education such as History, Geography, Law. Furthermore, with the growing popularity of American Studies as a degree option, this current specification that covers American Politics would be advantageous. In recent years some of our most successful students have gone on to study International Relations. The new specification has only increased the attraction of the subject for university admissions.

Possible careers include advertising, broadcasting, journalism, law, marketing, local government, civil service, public relations and teaching. The changes in the specification are clearly designed to build upon.

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying the Course

Politics students have many exciting enrichment opportunities including regular visits by MPs and councillors and visits to the Houses of Parliament. Speakers have included a founder member of the Women’s equality party and campaigning organisations included We also hope that students will, once more, attend relevant student conferences.

*Donald J Tump 23 October 2018