Politics: Key Stage 5

About the subject

 The study of Politics in the Sixth Form attracts those who have an enquiring mind, an intense interest in current affairs, party politics and the constitution of the UK, plus the confidence to debate both sides of topical issues and the ability to communicate ideas effectively.

Content

There are two units of study:

• Unit 1 – UK Politics (one hour 45-minute written exam at the end of year 12, 50% of AS Level): The importance of democracy and participation; electoral systems, referenda, the role of political parties and pressure groups.  This unit introduces students to the key channels of communication between the government and the people. It encourages students to evaluate the adequacy of existing arrangements for ensuring representative democracy and participation.

• Unit 2 - UK Government (one hour 45-minute written exam at the end of year 12, 50% of AS Level): The changing nature of the UK constitution; the importance of Parliament; the power of Prime Ministers, ministers, civil servants and judges.  This unit introduces students to the major governmental processes within the UK. It encourages students to develop a critical understanding of the role and effectiveness of key institutions, and of the relationships amongst them in the context of multi-level governance

Testimonials

"I found the Politics AS level to be a genuinely interesting and worthwhile enrichment subject. In paper 1 we learnt about more general politics in the UK and then looked closer at UK government and how the country works in Paper 2. It was beneficial learning about different political debates and the knowledge I gained has been useful too in other subjects like Geography and English Language." Jake Izatt, Year 12.