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Politics A level

Highworth Grammar School

Highworth Grammar School, Maidstone Road, Ashford, TN24 8UD

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent
Level 3
Social Sciences

Available start dates

Available start dates

Sunday, 01 September 2024
Highworth Grammar School
2 Year(s)
Full time
Daytime/working hours
NULL

Application Instructions

***** Please note, applications have now closed for September 2026 Sixth Form Admissions *****


Applications Open - Midday, 9 January 2026

Applications Close - Midday, 6 February 2026

School Entry Requirements: -

As a basic entry requirement to join our Sixth Form, you must have achieved at least 6 GCSE subjects at Grade 6 or above including:

at least a Grade 5 in English

at least a Grade 5 in Mathematics

and the specific entry requirements for each of your subjects.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices ***Now Closed***

Course Summary


Course Details

There are three parts to the course. The first deals with Politics in the UK. It involves looking at the British constitution and system of government including the role and powers of Parliament, the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Supreme Court. The impact of devolution on the UK and the UK’s changing relationship with the EU are also considered. The nature of democracy in the UK, the role of political parties, elections and voting and the ways in which individuals and groups can participate in politics also form part of this unit.

The second part involves a comparative study in which the American constitution, system of government and political culture are compared with those of the UK. As well as identifying similarities and differences between the two countries, students will also consider a range of possible explanations for the differences.

Finally, students will study the core ideas and principles of liberalism, conservatism, socialism and nationalism, particularly those relating to human nature, the state, society and the economy. This includes looking at some of the key thinkers whose ideas have helped shape the modern world.

Discussion and debate will play a very important part in the course and so you should develop the ability to understand different points of view, as well as consider alternatives objectively. You should also learn to argue your own case in a convincing manner, both orally and on paper, and to select relevant evidence to support your points.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

There are three examinations, each of 2 hours in length and taken at the end of Year 13. Each paper consists of a mixture of short-answer and essay questions. There is one examination on UK Politics, one examination on US Politics and a final examination on political ideologies.

Entry requirements

You will need a Grade 6 or above in English Language. You will need to have an interest in current events and political ideas, to follow political issues in the media and to be ready to read articles in journals and on the internet when preparing for writing essays. You should be willing to share ideas in discussion and to listen to other people’s views.

Additional information


For more courses like this, check our courses page.