Politics
We look at key issues and theories for example jealousy, power, narrative structures, magical realism, the modern novel, post-colonialism, psychoanalytic literary theory and new historicism.
You will explore how writers craft their writing – and learn how to write your own lively and well-argued essays; you will be encouraged to develop creative, analytical and critical skills. Such skills are highly regarded and will be useful in many other subjects.
Our lessons are lively and challenging – you will need to be ready to have a point of view and evidence to support it! We will interrogate our texts and debate different meanings. It will be focused, fun and decision-making in the UK, EU and USA, and the ideologies that
underpin them. intellectually challenging!
Our Approach
The first part of the Politics course focuses on the comparative government and politics of the UK and USA. You will study how, and whether, democracy works in the UK, EU and USA, with key themes being elections, electoral systems and voting behaviour. The impact of political parties and pressure groups on these is then explored. The course then turns to how political institutions and processes function: the work of Congress, Parliament, the devolved assemblies and the EU; the US Presidency and UK Government; the Supreme Courts of the UK and USA; all within the context of the fundamentally different constitutional systems. Politics A-level concludes with reflection on the significant ideologies that have guided politics – the political theories of liberalism, conservatism, socialism and anarchism, what they claim and how theorists have understood the political world. This comprehensive and fast-paced course is supplemented by witnessing politics first-hand. A study visit to London takes in the Supreme Court and the Houses of Parliament. Current students have appeared on the radio discussing elections, and opportunities to meet MPs, Councillors and Lords are also arranged. There are even plans underway to go to Washington DC! This course develops the skills of critical analysis, logical argument, independent research and essay writing. Politics is therefore an excellent foundation for many degrees and for varying careers – journalism, law, campaigning, social work, education, humanitarian work and of course politics itself.
Course Level
A-Level
Entry Requirements
The Academy’s general entry criteria of a minimum of five 4s at GCSE apply. A minimum of 5 in English Language is needed to study Politics at A Level.
Additional Course Information
Contact the course leader:
Tim Montgomery
tmontgomery@chapeltownacademy.com
and visit the AQA course page here.
Apply for This Course
Use our online application form available here.