Politics

The AQA A-Level Politics course offers students a comprehensive exploration of the political systems, institutions, and ideas that shape the modern world. Through the study of UK government and politics, students delve into the workings of Parliament, the core executive, the judiciary, and the devolved institutions, while also examining key aspects of political participation, including elections, referendums, political parties, and pressure groups. This foundational knowledge is enriched by an in-depth look at core political ideologies – liberalism, conservatism, and socialism – which provide the theoretical lenses through which political actions and policies can be analysed.

Building on this base, the course allows students to choose between two exciting comparative options: US government and politics or global politics. The US option explores the unique features of the American political system, including the presidency, Congress, the Supreme Court, and the electoral processes, and directly compares them with their UK counterparts. Alternatively, the global politics pathway examines international relations, global governance, human rights, and conflict, offering a broader perspective on politics beyond national borders. Both options develop critical comparative analytical skills.

The third component deepens engagement with political theory by requiring students to study an additional ideology from a choice of nationalism, feminism, multiculturalism, anarchism, and ecologism. This flexible structure allows learners to tailor their studies to their interests while ensuring a rigorous understanding of both governmental institutions and the ideas that underpin them. Across all three papers, students are challenged to evaluate evidence, construct coherent arguments, and engage with contemporary political debates, preparing them not only for higher education but also for active, informed citizenship.