The course will help you understand how British and American politics works. You will understand the balance of power between the public, elected parliaments, prime ministers and presidents, and the law. You will also learn to discuss the importance of political ideology, similarities and differences between British and American politics, and new trends such as the impact of Brexit or the devolution of power from Westminster to Scotland and Wales.
The focus of the course is contemporary political issues and students will be expected to keep up with the news throughout the course.
Students who have completed this course have progressed to higher study in areas including history, politics, international relations and law. The study of politics is also effective training for employment in roles that involve understanding how people make choices, including market research or sales, or working with local or national government, such as working in the media or civil service, or various legal jobs.
What you'll learn
A Level Politics at Bracknell and Wokingham College follows the EDEXCEL specification. There are no AS Level exams at the end of the first year.
In the first year you will study:
Contemporary Politics of the UK — This module covers areas such as the rights British citizens have, the different ways British people are represented, and the reasons people vote in the way they do.
Contemporary Government of the UK — This module covers areas such as the balance of power between the parliament and the government, the role of government ministers, and the power of the UK Supreme Court.
In the second year you will study:
Contemporary Politics and Government of the USA — This module covers areas such as the role of the US Constitution in shaping American politics, the balance of power between US states and the federal government, and debates about whether the president is too powerful – or not powerful enough. Students will also specifically be taught to make comparisons between British and American politics.
Political Ideology — This module will cover the three core ideologies that shape modern democracy: liberalism, conservativism and socialism. Students will also study feminism as a non-core ideology.
How you'll learn and be assessed
You will learn in a variety of ways: discussion and debate, groupwork, independent study, traditional essays, reading and research tasks. There is a balance of challenge and support. You will play an active part in your learning and there will be a strong focus on your individual learning needs.
You will develop the skills necessary for further academic study, such as strong report writing, essay writing and study skills, including presentation skills.
You will also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment, including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time. By the end of the course you will have benefited from individual support, including clear advice about higher education and careers.
Your final grade will be awarded for exams covering all the taught subjects, taken at the end of the two-year course.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and maths.
