Government & Politics - A Level

Sixth Form Admissions

There will be a relaunch of Sixth Form provision for September 2026 at Stone Lodge School .

This will include a mix of level 2, vocational and academic level 3 courses.

Full details of the curriculum offer for September 2026 will be updated here as soon as possible.

Unit 1 – Government and politics of the UK - 2 hr exam (33% of final Grade)

Unit 2 – Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics - 2 hr exam (33% of final Grade)

Unit 3 – Political Ideas (Liberalism, Conservatism, Anarchism, etc) - 2 hr exam (33% of final Grade)

When studying politics, a thirst for knowledge is essential. You should be interested in current affairs locally and globally. As such, you will be required to read, understand and interact with articles about current events, political structures and the history behind them. You should also be willing to debate issues from all points of view, which may not always be your own.

What skills and knowledge will I develop by studying this subject?

You will develop research skills and critical thinking to allow you to act discernibly when assimilating information online, via news media, newspapers, magazines and evaluate information that is relevant to a specific line of enquiry. Students will develop their essay-writing skills, learning how to structure their ideas effectively and construct a cogent and well supported argument. A significant proportion of lessons will be spent debating and discussing theories behind the UK and US political systems, issues and key political events of the day. Successful candidates will be able to work independently or in small groups as required. Politics provides a sense of the modern world in which we live and gets to grips with the debates that affect day to day life in the UK. We live in a complex world with significant challenges, including global terrorism, poverty, economic instability, weapons proliferation, failing states and environmental degradation. These challenges require global co-operation if they are to be resolved. Studying UK and US politics gives students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity.

Global politics encourages discussion and debate and requires students to study and present different global perspectives, as well as interpreting competing and contestable claims. You will also develop an understanding where political ideas come from and what has shaped opinions about how our society should function.

Who will this course be suitable for?

Would you like to understand why people have different points of view on societal issues?

Do you want to know how the laws govern the UK are made?

Are you interested in why China might be becoming the most powerful country in the world?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then A Level Politics is for you.

AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues.

AO2 Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including in relation to parallels, connections, similarities and differences.

AO3 Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions.

Grade 9-6 English Language or Literature is required.

Grade 9-6 or Merit in Humanities subject is desirable.

• Law
• Consultancy
• Public Sector
• Advertising & Marketing
• Academic Teaching &
• Research
• Charity & Not For Profit