What are lessons like in this subject?
Studying Pearson Edexcel A-level Politics is engaging, current, and debate-driven. The course covers UK politics and government, political ideologies (like socialism, conservatism, and liberalism), and global politics, including international relations and global institutions. You'll explore how political systems work, how power is distributed, and how political decisions affect society. It’s ideal for students who enjoy following the news, debating issues, and thinking critically about democracy, rights, and global affairs. Assessments are essay-based, so strong writing and argumentation skills are important. The content is dynamic and constantly evolving, making it a subject that feels relevant and thought-provoking.
What will I study?
Component 1: UK Politics
- Democracy and political participation.
- UK political parties.
- Electoral systems.
- Voting behaviour and the media.
- Core political ideas: conservatism, liberalism, and socialism.
Component 2: UK Government
- The constitution.
- Parliment.
- The prime minister and the cabinet.
- Relations between the branches.
- Non-core political ideas: nationalism.
Component 3: Comparative Politics: The USA
- The constitution.
- The presidency.
- Congress.
- The Supreme Court.
- Comparative approaches - how do US/UK politics compare?
A Level politics did not change my views but helped me better understand my views and the world around me, providing me with the ability to articulate my own views. The course has helped me develop my own understanding of politics and my skills of critical thinking and formulating judgements, especially in the volatile political climate we face in the UK/EU/US today.
Jack Salter, Achworth School
Politics
Please note: Subject videos have been filmed from colleges across our Trust.
