Politics A Level

Sixth Form Open Evening- Thursday 12th November 2026 5-7pm

Applications Open - Friday 13th November 2026

Applications Close - End of Term 4 2027. Please contact Mrs Silvester if you would like to apply after this date (lucy.silvester@swale.at)

Entry Requirements: - Generally 5 grade 5s or above in GCSE, including English and Maths but some subjects do vary.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Lively, relevant, controversial… there are many ways to describe A-level Politics. There’s no denying that it’s one of the most interesting and engaging qualifications you can choose. Covering news and current affairs from the UK and US, it helps you understand how the UK country is run and develops research, written communication and debate skills. It’s ideal if you’re considering studying politics, sociology, ethics, advertising or journalism at university and is highly regarded by employers in industries including politics, international organisations, the media, government and the civil service.

The course is split into three components and students will use the skills and knowledge throughout the course. Students begin by learning Political Theories of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism. Students then use this knowledge to explore the functions and effectiveness of UK government institutions such as political parties, elections, procedures, the constitution and Pressure Groups. Students then compare this with US institutions to provide a compare and contrast.

Students will sit an examination in each of the three components at the end of the course. These would each be 2 hours in length and have equal weighting (33%). Students will have a mixture of medium length ‘explain’ and essay style questions.

In addition to the general requirements for access onto A Level courses, students would be expected to achieve at least a grade 5 in English Literature and Language. This is due to the rigorous literacy demands of the qualification in terms of assessment structure, source analysis and evaluation needed to succeed.

-Level Politics builds transferable skills in critical evaluation, textual analysis, and written argumentation that prepare students for higher education, degree apprenticeships, and direct career pathways.

Many students go onto university to study Politics, International Relations, History, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), Law, Journalism, Criminology and Sociology.

Careers can include Civil Service, Diplomatic and Foreign Offices, International Organisations, Government (local, national and international), Solicitor or the Media.