The Course

A-level Politics at CCSW is designed to encourage students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhance their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics. Students develop knowledge of the structures of power within the political systems of the United Kingdom and the United States and are encouraged to think and debate more widely about how political systems may differ. Political ideas will also be discussed and debated, where will you stand?

UK Politics – What does the Prime Minister do? How does Parliament make laws? Why do people vote the way they do? What do the political parties stand for? What is the future of the United Kingdom?

US Politics – How powerful is the President? Why is the Constitution so important to Americans? What do the Democrats and Republicans stand for? What does the Supreme Court do? How are civil rights protected?

Political Ideas – Why is individual freedom so important to liberals? Is conservatism the ideology of the ‘ruling class’? Can socialism be achieved without revolution? What makes a nation?

Studying Politics will develop your research and analytical skills, it will also give you a deeper understanding of how important decisions are made, influenced and implemented. Politics at CCSW offers you an immerse experience into the political realm, breaking down the myths and barriers of Westminster and Washington.

Most students are new to the study of Politics and will be encouraged to keep up to date with current affairs through newspapers, the internet and TV programmes such as Newsnight and Question Time. The A1 course focuses on British Politics, including: Voting Behaviour and Electoral Systems, Parties and Pressure Groups, Prime Minister and Cabinet, Parliament. The A2 course is based on American Politics, covering topics such as: Congress, The Supreme Court, The US Electoral System, Pressure Groups.

Why study Politics?
Studying Politics means studying the real world and developing the skills to make sense of that world. Politics is about people and power: who gets it, how they use it, and what makes a society fair. It is useful, interesting and challenging. Politics is for people who have an interest in current affairs, and who enjoy debates and discussions. Students will have the opportunity to participate in visits to Parliament and to Washington DC, as well as various conferences and revision courses.

There will be regular assessments in class and as homework or research tasks to determine your progress as well as four formal assessments throughout the year including a mock exam in January. Your final assessments are in the form of two exams; one for unit one and one for unit two.