KS5 - Politics
A Level
This course will be taught at Huntington School
This qualification will help students to develop knowledge and understanding of the role politics plays in relation to current local, national, and global issues, as well as studying key thinkers and political ideas. The course reflects the demands of a truly modern and evolving political environment in the UK and around the world. Students will study UK politics and government to give them a core knowledge and understanding of the subject. Students will then develop this knowledge and understanding by studying four political ideas. They will also study the government and politics of the USA.
COMPONENT 1 – UK POLITICS
Political Participation
- The development of democracy and participation in UK
- The role and scope development of UK political parties
- The operation of the various electoral systems used across the UK
- The way in which groups and individuals are influenced to vote
Core Political Ideas
This section allows students to explore the three traditional political ideas of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism.
COMPONENT 2 – UK GOVERNMENT
UK Government
- The nature, sources and reform of the British constitution
- The structure, role and powers of parliament
- The power of the Prime Minister and executive
- The relationships between the three branches of government
Optional Political Idea
This section allows students to explore the core ideas, principles, effects, divisions and key thinkers of the political idea of Anarchism.
COMPONENT 3 – COMPARATIVE POLITICS USA
- The US Constitution and the arguments surrounding this guiding document of US democracy
- The power of the key institutions of government in the USA
- The extent to which ‘liberty and justice has been achieved for all
- The nature of democracy in the USA
ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW
Each component is assessed with one two hour examination worth 33% of the qualification.