Politics is a truly unique A-Level, where the subject content changes day by day. As such, a key focus of the course is building the skills to navigate the increasingly complex events in both the UK and the US and to be able to link them to the key debates about governance and power. 

The politics teachers feel that this unique aspect of the subject also makes it one of the most exhilarating A-Levels to study, and we will often find ourselves re-writing lessons to reflect the strange times we are currently living in. There is a rolling key example Google document for students to track current examples, and we hold regular ‘emergency breakfasts’ following particularly dramatic events! 

We follow the Edexcel specification for A-Level Politics, choosing the US 3A route and feminism for the option ideology. The course focusses on key aspects of power and participation, looking both at the ‘top down’ of government systems in both countries, as well as the ‘bottom up’ of participation and how ordinary people can challenge and hold the government to account. We are living in incredibly divided political times, and these questions couldn’t be more vital. As such, politics is an incredibly relevant subject for future aspirations, and a significant proportion of our students go on to study either politics or international relations at degree level. 

Alongside our hope that our students will fall in love with the subject, we also weave into our lessons regular exam practice and essay feedback so that our students have the very best chance to do well. Our HOD is a senior examiner with our exam board, Edexcel, and feedback on exam technique is a core part of our lessons. We have a timed essay after every topic in class, as well as regular essay planning as part of homework. We also hold regular folder checks to discuss how note-taking is going, and a Google quiz at the end of each topic to check knowledge. 

However, Politics is more than just lessons and assessments, and we offer lots of super-curricular opportunities to develop passion and interest. From a weekly discussion group with both history and sociology, where students present on topical developments and discussions, to regular ad hoc ‘emergency’ sessions to discuss particularly dramatic events, we offer lots of opportunities to discuss relevant issues. We also offer a range of trips, including to parliament and the UK supreme court, Pol-Con (a very vibrant student conference with a range of politicians from across the spectrum) and a US A-Level conference. And finally, it would not be a politics overview without a reference to podcasts. Podcasts are at the heart of keeping up with modern political events, and we will admit to being a little bit obsessed! On the extension tab you will find a list of our favourites!