Sujana Sudhaman
Edexcel
6 in English Language or English Literature or in a humanities subject (Geography, History or RPE)
Politics shapes every aspect of our lives — from the laws we follow to the freedoms we enjoy. In recent years, both the UK and the wider world have faced unexpected and unpredictable events, reminding us just how vital it is to understand who makes decisions, why they make them, and how those decisions affect society. Studying Politics has never been more relevant.
If you want to make sense of what’s happening in the world today, this is the course for you.
Our Politics A Level gives you the chance to explore contemporary issues while building a strong understanding of the British political system. You’ll also broaden your perspective by studying Global Politics. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into the fundamental ideas that have shaped societies across history.
As part of the course, you will examine the core ideologies of conservatism, liberalism, and socialism, exploring how they have shaped political thought and practice. You will also study other influential movements such as feminism and nationalism, broadening your understanding of the diverse ideas that underpin modern politics. Alongside this, you will engage with the work of significant political thinkers including Edmund Burke, Karl Marx, and Mary Wollstonecraft, gaining insight into the theories and debates that continue to influence society today.
This course will not only deepen your knowledge of current affairs but also sharpen your analytical skills, preparing you for university, careers in law, journalism, public service, and beyond.
Studying Politics at A Level will help you develop a wide range of transferable skills, including research, analytical thinking, and both spoken and written communication. These are highly valued by universities and employers alike, as they demonstrate your ability to evaluate complex information, construct persuasive arguments, and communicate ideas clearly.
Politics students often progress to a diverse range of degree courses such as Politics, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), International Relations, Geography, Law, and History. Beyond university, the skills gained through Politics A Level open doors to careers in law, journalism, public service, business, and many other fields where critical thinking and clear communication are essential.
12 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Teacher 1: Democracy and Participation and Political Parties.
| This unit explores the nature of UK democracy and the variety of ways people participate in it, including through political parties.
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Teacher 2: UK Constitution and UK Parliament | This unit explores the nature of the UK constitution, where it has come from and how it has changed. We also look at the structure of the UK Parliament and its functions. | |
Teacher 1: Electoral Systems, Voting Behaviour and the Media. | We look at the systems behind how people vote in the UK, why people vote differently, and this is influenced by the media. | |
Teacher 2: UK Government: UK Parliament, the Prime Minister and Executive. | We continue to look at the structure and function of parliament before focussing on the role of the Prime Minister and Executive within this. | |
Teacher 1: Core and Non-Core Political Ideas: Conservatism, Liberalism, Socialism, Feminism. | This topic looks at each of these ideologies in turn; what are their core ideas about human nature, the state, society, and the economy, and who are their key thinkers.
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Teacher 2: UK Government: The Prime Minister and Executive, the Relationship between the Branches. | Two case studies of contrasting PMs and the extent of their control over events and policy. How the different branches of UK government relate to each other. | |
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13 | What students will learn | How it builds on learning |
| Teacher 1: The state and globalisation | This unit covers the nature of the nation state, sovereignty and the process and impact of globalisation. Global Governance: political and economic. Explores political organisations such as The UN, NATO and economic institutions such as the IMF and World Bank. We explore the extent to which these organisations address and resolve contemporary global issues.
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Teacher 2: Global governance: human rights and environmental. Covers ICJ, ICC, UN Tribunals, ECHR. | We explore global responses to environmental challenges and organisations in place to monitor and protect environmental controls. Power and developments. Explores different types of power, the significance of states in global affairs, polarity in global politics and different systems of government.
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Teacher 1: Comparative Theories
| We explore realism, liberalism, international anarchy, security dilemmas and global governance.
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Teacher 2: Regionalism and the EU. Power and Developments. | This topic examines regionalism, the EU, other regional organisations such as NAFTA and the African Union, the significance of the EU as a global body.
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Teacher 1: Revision of content ahead of exams
| Teacher 2: Revision of content ahead of exams |
Students are assessed at the end of every topic by exam style essay questions and timed responses. In addition there will be mock exams at the end of the autumn term and in the summer term.
Encourage your sixth former to:
Only standard equipment required.
Independent study is a vital part of succeeding in A Level Politics. To support this, we provide a wide range of resources to help you extend your learning beyond the classroom. Our Politics Padlet is regularly updated with articles, videos, and podcasts from sources such as Politics Shed, the BBC, leading newspapers, and Radio 4. In addition, there is a comprehensive selection of textbooks available in the classroom for you to consult at any time.
All students also have access to a subscription to Politics Review, a specialist journal designed for A Level learners, offering up?to?date analysis, case studies, and exam?focused content. Together, these resources give you the tools to deepen your understanding, strengthen your super-curricular engagement, and prepare effectively for assessments and university applications.
Academic & Super-curricular
Each subject is also part of our ‘Super-curricular’ initiative, which aims to develop your wider understanding of academic subjects and support your learning – more information can be found here. Our Politics Padlet is packed with enrichment resources to help you go beyond the classroom. You’ll find articles and videos from Politics Shed, the BBC, leading newspapers, and Radio 4. It’s a one?stop hub for keeping up with current affairs, deepening your understanding, and building those all?important supercurricular insights.
There are many free MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) in Politics available through platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn, OpenLearn, and MyMooc. These cover topics such as democracy, international relations, political ideologies, and contemporary global crises. Examples include:
We are committed to bringing Politics to life beyond the classroom. This year, we are hoping to arrange a trip to Parliament, giving students the chance to see democracy in action and experience the heart of UK politics.
In addition, we regularly welcome guest speakers to share their expertise and insights, helping students connect their studies to real?world issues. Our lecture theatre also hosts streamed LSE public lectures, providing access to world?class academics and debates on contemporary political challenges.
Cambourne Sixth Form
Sheepfold Lane, Cambourne
Cambridge CB23 6FR
Tel: 01954 284000
Email: info@cambournesixthform.org
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