Politics
Why Study This Subject?
Politics is behind the decisions that affect education, healthcare, transport and the armed forces. Rights such as freedom of speech, the right to protest, the powers of the police and who can vote are all central to the study of Politics.
At Greenhead College, Politics classes involve discussion and debate, giving you the opportunity to express your own views while also challenging your thinking and exploring a range of political perspectives. As politics is constantly evolving, lessons regularly draw on current affairs and examine how they relate to the A Level course.
Politics seeks to explain the society in which we live. It is not an abstract academic discipline removed from everyday life; rather, it is relevant to almost every aspect of the world around us. Political decisions shape the public services we rely on and determine how they are organised and funded. Decisions affecting education, healthcare, transport and defence are all political. Politics also explores our rights and responsibilities as citizens, the power of the state, and our ability to influence those in positions of authority.
Throughout the course, you will explore questions such as:
- How fair and representative is our voting system?
- How do people organise themselves to put pressure on government?
- How powerful is Parliament?
- What are the main differences between the political parties, and where do their ideas come from?
- How successful has international cooperation been in tackling issues such as climate change, human rights and global poverty?
If these questions interest you, Politics could be the subject for you. You will have opportunities to develop and defend your own views, while also learning to understand, evaluate and sometimes argue for perspectives with which you may disagree.
Many of our former students progress to degrees in Politics, International Relations and related subjects. Career destinations include political advisory roles, working for MPs and think tanks, the Civil Service, teaching, business, banking and law.
This course follows the Pearson (Edexcel) specification.
Each component is assessed by an exam at the end of the course:
- UK politics looks at the policies and ideas of political parties, how people vote and the nature of UK democracy
- UK government considers the constitution, the roles of the Prime Minister and Parliament
- Political ideas looks at different views about how the world works and how it should be changed, such as conservatism, liberalism, socialism and feminism
- Global politics looks at issues such as climate change, global poverty and human rights.
Other than the College’s general entry requirements, there are no additional qualifications required.
