Politics
Politics
If you're interested in current affairs, debating ideas, and understanding how power shapes the world, A Level Politics at South Devon College offers a dynamic and thought-provoking exploration of political systems, ideologies, and institutions. This course equips you with the tools to critically analyse politics in the UK and beyond, developing your ability to form well-evidenced arguments and think independently.
You don’t need prior political knowledge to succeed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage with new ideas. From the start, you’ll dive into the key principles of democracy, exploring how political participation works and asking big questions like: does voting really matter, and how can democracy be improved?
As the course progresses, you'll examine how the UK Government functions, debating topics such as the power of Prime Ministers, the effectiveness of Parliament, and the role of judges in protecting civil liberties. You’ll also explore the UK Constitution and assess how it shapes governance and political accountability.
You’ll investigate political parties, their ideologies, and policy positions, and learn about the UK's electoral systems, asking whether reforms are needed to make elections fairer or more effective. Beyond the ballot box, you’ll analyse the influence of pressure groups, protest movements, and other forms of political engagement, considering whether Britain is facing a crisis in participation.
In your second year, the focus shifts to the vibrant and often controversial world of US politics. You’ll explore the American political system, the impact of presidential leadership - such as Trump’s presidency - and the distinct nature of democracy in the United States.
Politics is an exciting and relevant subject that builds skills in debate, analysis, and research. Whether you're aiming for a career in law, journalism, public service, international relations, or beyond, this course will help you develop the knowledge and confidence to engage with the political challenges of today’s world.
You must have a GCSE Grade 5(B) in English
You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in Maths
You must have 5 GCSEs at Grade 4(C) or above
Participation through the ballot box
The role of elections in a democracy
The nature of representation
The role of political parties in a democracy












