GCE A Level in Politics

Before submitting your application to Wilberforce Sixth Form College, please ensure the following information has been included:

• Personal Details – including your home address, email address, contact number and school.
• Predicted Grades – a full list of all your predicted grades.

Once your application is submitted, we will contact you via your personal email address. If you wish to change your course choices, this can be done at your interview—there is no need to submit a new application.

For further information or assistance, please contact liaison@wilberforce.ac.uk

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Lively, relevant, controversial… there are many ways to describe A Level Government and Politics. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose.

Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how the UK country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills. It also helps grow your confidence.

It’s ideal if you’re considering studying politics, sociology, ethics, advertising or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is for you if you are interested in current affairs. It’s ideal if you’re considering studying politics, sociology, ethics, advertising or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.

In this two-year course you will learn about current affairs in both the UK and US. You will look at how the UK country is run, which will provide plenty of opportunity for debate.

Specifically you will study and sit exams in the following topics:

• The government and politics of the UK
• The government and politics of the USA and Comparative politics
• Political ideas including:
• the three traditional ideologies of Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism
• one of either: feminism, nationalism, multiculturalism or anarchism.

What skills do I need?

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a variety of methods including lectures, individual research, group work, analysis of videos and news broadcasts, individual and group research, quizzes and virtual learning activity.

Private study

You will be expected to complete at least 4 hours of independent study each week as well as aiming to keep up to date with current affairs. You will be expected to follow a personal revision plan in the weeks before internal and external exams.

How is the course assessed?

The course is externally assessed by exams at the end of year 2.

What materials do I need to provide?

You will have access to text books but will need to provide pens and paper.

You must have a minimum of five GCSE grades 9-4 and a GCSE average of 5.3 or more. You should also have a grade 4 or higher in GCSE English Language.

If you are interested in joining the College, we will arrange a meeting with an experienced subject counsellor who will help you choose a course programme that best suits your ambitions and achievements.

All entry requirement details are correct at the time of publication, however, the College may need to make some changes in the light of student demand, staff availability and external factors beyond the college’s control.

Experiences

This course will provide you with the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and visiting academics about politics regionally and nationally. Past visitors have included all East Hull MP candidates, where a televised debate took place at the college. We also facilitate visits to leading universities in order to help you explore a future in Politics. Within the college, our Upskilling Programme offers you a chance to take part in our Debating Society, which often competes in regional and national competitions.

Progression

Politics is a great course to complete if you are considering studying Politics, Sociology, Ethics, Advertising or Journalism at university. It is also a good option if you are looking into a career in Law.

Outcomes

Students who complete a qualification in Politics go on to a wide variety of jobs. These can include: Politician, Public Affairs Consultant, Social researcher, Local Government Officer, Marketing Executive or Teacher, to name a few.