Subject Overview
The Politics Department at St Francis’ helps students to gain a nuanced understanding of government and politics in the UK and the wider world. This will facilitate the confident engagement with current affairs, ensuring that our students become politically aware citizens. Politics also helps students to understand the complex relationship between society and government, the various forces and factors at play, and the debates which continue to shape the world we live in.
Programme of Study – A Level Politics
Examination Board: AQA
Students will study three topics over two years. The topics currently covered are:
Unit 1: Government and Politics of the UK
Unit 2: Government and Politics of the USA and Comparative Politics
Unit 3: Political Ideas
The aims of this qualification are to enable students to develop:
A Level Government and Politics involves studying a wide range of topics, so there is a lot of information to absorb, and importantly, you will learn how to apply this knowledge. This is achieved by examining the different topics, both inside and outside of the classroom. Students then use their skills of analysis and evaluation to address the poignant debates within these units. This is then interspersed with frequent debates, discussions and research on current affairs and examples to support your argument.
Every single career involves a certain level of political understanding and the breadth and depth provided by the course will complement any other subjects taken at St Francis’ College, including History, Geography, Business and Economics.
Students who have studied Government and Politics at A Level are welcomed into a range of jobs that require enquiring minds, analytical and evaluative skills, a commitment to continual self-improvement and a developed knowledge of the wider world. Careers can include Law, Accountancy, the Civil Service, Academia, Public Services, Teaching, Business and Management Consulting.
