Politics A-Level Edexcel

Overview

The aim of the Edexcel A Level Politics (9PL0) course is to enable students to develop their critical thinking skills alongside their understanding of the power structures, institutions, and ideas that shape our world.

Students will look at the mechanics of democracy, the role of political parties, and the core ideological traditions that underpin modern governance. In the second year, students will explore the diverse political landscape of the United States, analyzing how its system compares to the UK. In addition, students will study global political power dynamics or analytical frameworks and will have the opportunity to carry out independent research on current political events.

Assessment tasks will be varied and cover source-based analysis, comparative essays, and evaluative writing skills.

AS and A Level: Although we recommend that students undertake the two-year A Level course, the AS course is fully co-teachable with the first year of the A Level course, enabling students to choose to sit AS examinations in the summer, without continuing to the second year of study.

Content

Political theory is taught alongside the specific content as set out in the Edexcel specification. The core ideas and comparative global focus are selected from set options from Edexcel and are chosen by the class teachers. Currently, we are aiming to teach the US Politics option in Year 13.

Course Outline

Facilities and Resources

Textbooks

We make full use of the Pearson Edexcel textbook which is fully aligned to the Edexcel course. Each year’s text is provided by the school for students to borrow, with digital versions available online via our digital learning platform. Teachers may also make use of extra resources from Pearson, and other publishers, in class, but there is no requirement to purchase a copies. Students may like to buy their own revision guides and study workbooks for the specific ideologies and US comparative modules studied throughout the course.

As this is a new course being offered this year, we are considering a selection of political journals, biographies, and academic textbooks to make available for students in the school library. A selection of reference and non-fiction books are available for staff and students in the Humanities Workroom. Furthermore, we will make use of a variety of authentic materials, news media, and online resources which will be shared via Google Classroom.

Rooms

Sixth Form lessons will take place in the Singleton building in classrooms shared by the Humanities Faculty.

Trips, Visits and Extra Curricular

The Department is considering a number of relevant trips and extra curricular offerings as we develop our course, alongside students, during the next academic year.