Politics A Level

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HOMEWOOD SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM CENTRE FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Applications Open: - 22nd November 2023

Applications Close: - 19th January 2024

Entry Requirements: - Each course has its own entry requirements, please see course descriptions or the prospectus for details.

Option Blocks: - https://www.homewood-school.co.uk/119/options-blocks

Students must select a minimum of three courses, each from a different block

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices.

Open Event: - 22nd November 2023 4pm - 7pm

Open Mornings: - Monday 13th November and Tuesday 14th November 2023, 9:15am - 11.15am

THE POLITICS A LEVEL COURSE IS ENGAGING, RELEVANT AND CONTROVERSIAL. IT COVERS PRESENT NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS FROM THE UK AND USA IN ORDER TO ANALYSE HOW THE UK AND USA ARE RUN, ALONGSIDE DEVELOPING RESEARCH, WRITTEN COMMUNICATION, AND DEBATING SKILLS. THE CURRICULUM OFFERED PROVIDES A BALANCE OF UK AND US POLITICS UNDERPINNED WITH AN EXPLANATION OF THE KEY POLITICAL IDEOLOGIES THAT INFORM OUR POLITICAL PROCESSES.

The first section of the course is an indepth look at UK government and politics. This explores eight specific topics; Democracy and participation in the United Kingdom; Political parties; Electoral systems; Voting behaviour; The UK Constitution; Parliament; Prime Minister and the Executive; and the Supreme Court. The second section of the course is a study of political ideology and the impact that they have had on our politics. There are three core ideologies that you would study and one optional ideology. You would study liberalism, conservatism, socialism and feminism. The main focus of this unit would be to investigate the main beliefs of each ideology and the differing beliefs of five key thinkers.The final section studied would be a focus on the politics of the USA. This would be a comparative unit whereby you would compare and contrast the political systems of the UK and the US. For example, you may compare and contrast the power of the President of the US and the Prime Minister of the UK - Do presidents such as Trump and Obama really hold as much power as they think? There will be opportunities to visit the UK Parliament, local and regional assemblies as well as attend politics lectures and debates when they occur.

5 GCSE grades at 4 or above including a minimum of a 5 at English, 5 in Mathematics, and 5 in a Humanities or Social Science subject such as History, Geography, or Sociology.

Politics impacts on us all every day and studying Politics allows us to be able to see how the world around us is being shaped. It provides us with a crucial framework for understanding the systems of governance and decision-making that shape our societies. Moreover, it encourages an informed and engaged citizenry, which is fundamental to the functioning of any democracy. Ultimately, studying politics empowers individuals to be active and responsible members of their communities.