Politics

 

Curriculum Intent:

Our A-Level Politics curriculum inspires students to critically engage with the political systems that shape the UK and the United States. Following the UK/US comparative route, students explore the workings of both democracies, examining institutions, electoral systems, political ideologies, and the relationship between citizens and the state. Through debate and analysis, students develop the skills to evaluate power, representation, and political change in a global context. We aim to foster informed, articulate, and open-minded thinkers who can engage with diverse perspectives and participate confidently in democratic society.

Curriculum Overview:

	Autumn 1	Autumn 2	Spring 1	Spring 2	Summer 1	Summer 2
Year 12    UK Politics   UK Gov	Topic: Democracy and Participation	Topics: Democracy and Participation   Political Parties	Topics: Political Parties   Electoral Systems	Topics: Electoral Systems   Voting Behaviour & the Media	Topic: Voting Behaviour & the Media	Year 13 US Government and Politics - topic:   US Constitution & Federalism   Year 13 Core Political Ideologies - topic:   Liberalism
					PAPER 1 REVISION
	Topic: The Constitution	Topics: The Constitution   Parliament	Topics: Parliament   Prime Minister & Executive	Topics: PM & Executive   Relations between the Branches	Topic: Relations between the Branches
					PAPER 2 REVISION
Year 13   US Gov & Pol   Political Ideologies	Topics: US Constitution & Federalism   US Congress   Comparative Politics	Topics: US Congress   US Presidency   Comparative Politics	Topics: US Presidency   US Supreme Court & Civil Rights   Comparative Politics	Topic: US Democracy and Participation   Comparative Politics	PAPER 3 REVISION
	Topic: Liberalism	Topic: Conservatism	Topic: Socialism	Topic: Nationalism	PAPER 1/2 REVISION

 

A level exam board & specification: Edexcel A-level Politics

Textbook: Edexcel GCE Politics AS and A-level Student Book by Graham Goodlad, Andrew Mitchell, Andrew Colcough, Ian Levinson, Samantha Laycock, Kathy Schindler and Adam Tomes

 

How to help your child: 

1. Encourage them to keep up with current affairs by taking an active interest in the news; reading and analysing stories about UK Politics (e.g. from The Economist and The Guardian) will help them to develop their academic literacy and will enable them to grasp contemporary examples.

2. It is absolutely crucial for students to be organised from the start; they will be set pre-reading tasks to complete so that they can focus on developing their knowledge and understanding during lessons, as well as its application to exam-style questions.

3. Encourage your child to regularly write essays in timed conditions. Speed writing and recall is an essential skill that is required at A-Level. Regular practice will ensure success for the exams.

 

Opportunities for enrichment:

Each year there is a trip to parliament to explore how the UK legislature works. Over the past decade there have also been three trips to the USA to take part in the US presidential elections and to learn about how to make a change in politics. We’re keen to share further opportunities with students!

 

What careers can success in politics lead to?   

Success in Politics can lead to a wide range of careers across government, media, law, and the charity sector. Many students go on to work in the civil service, where they help shape and implement public policy. Others work directly in the political sphere as advisers, campaign managers, or researchers for Members of Parliament or political parties. Some pursue careers in international relations, working for diplomatic services or global organisations such as the United Nations or non-governmental organisations.

Politics graduates are also highly valued in the legal profession, particularly in areas such as constitutional, public, or human rights law. Journalism is another common route, with many using their political knowledge to analyse current affairs, write opinion pieces, or produce investigative reports. Others go into public relations, communications, or lobbying, using their understanding of political systems to influence decision-making and public perception. Think tanks, charities, and advocacy organisations also employ politics graduates to develop policy recommendations and campaign for social change. The skills developed through studying politics – critical thinking, analysis, communication, and an understanding of power and institutions – are widely applicable and in demand across many professions. As such, Politics offers a strong foundation for those wanting to shape the world around them.

 

For further information, contact: sclavin@lampton.org.uk