SES A Level Course Guide 2024

Politics Edexcel

POL I T I CS

The A Level course is designed to allow pupils to develop a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of political theory combined with an awareness of current issues and the changing political landscape. The course investigates at the structures and systems of the British political system, for example analysing the effectiveness of Parliament at scrutinising government legislation or assessing the arguments around constitutional reform. You will also consider how people engage in politics, from pressure groups to the increasingly important role the media has in influencing politics. In addition, you will also look three traditional political ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism, alongside feminism. Finally, the course goes on to look at global politics, picking up on the skills and knowledge acquired in the first two units, to analyse and evaluate the way in which the global political system works to the institutions of global governance such as the UN and the IMF. Outside the classroom, there will also the opportunity to take participate in wider political debate with your peers through the Politics Society, participate in trips e.g. to the Houses of Parliament and attend talks from visiting speakers. Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas (2-hour exam) 1. Democracy and participation 2. Political parties 3. Electoral systems 4. Voting behaviour and the media 5. Core Political Ideas (Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism) Component 2: UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas (2-hour exam) 6. The constitution 7. Parliament Pupils will study three units:

8. Prime Minister and executive 9. Relations between the branches 10. Feminism or Nationalism

Component 3: Global Politics (2-hour exam) 11. The state and globalisation 12. Global governance: political and economic 13. Global governance: human rights and environmental 14. Power and developments 15. Regionalism and the European Union 16. Comparative theories

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