Politics A Level 3

For students applying from other schools please see the information below.

For existing students at OPGS - you will be applying internally and will receive separate instructions

Applications Open - 11th December 2025

Applications Close - 30th January 2026

Entry Requirements:-

Students achieving a minimum of at least six GCSEs (9 – 5) of which at least four are at a grade 6 (or equivalent).

In addition, students must meet subject entry requirements, which in most cases require a minimum of Grade 6 in the subject to be studied, or related subjects. Some subjects will require a grade 7 or higher. Please see school website (https://www.opgs.org) for entry requirements needed for individual A level subjects.

Students must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics.

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The school shall determine which grades at 6 are required when A level subjects requested have not been taken at GCSE Level.

Priority will be given to existing pupils transferring from Year 11 who meet the entrance criteria

How to Apply

Students should select three or four A level subjects and include a 4th/5th as a reserve subjects. Please list your subjects in priority order and indicate which is your reserve choice.

Subject Choice

In choosing your subjects for A level you need to find out about the syllabus, examination requirements, coursework and the approach to study. Choose subjects that interest you and think carefully about the range and combination of subjects you would like to study. You may also wish to consider requirements for Higher Education or career paths.

Students should also note that the school cannot guarantee courses will run if there are not enough applicants. It is also possible that, in some subjects, numbers will have to be limited.

EDEXCEL – Government and Politics

Linear Course

Component 1 = UK Politics

Written examination: 2 hours 33⅓ % of the qualification

Content overview

Political Participation: ● democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.

Core Political Ideas, students will study: ● conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Component 2: UK Government

Written examination: 2 hours 33⅓ % of the qualification.

Content overview

UK Government ● the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.

Optional Political Ideas students will study: ● ONE idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism

Component 3 = Comparative Politics

Written examination: 2 hours 33⅓ % of the qualification. USA Politics

Content overview

USA Politics: ● the US Constitution and federalism, US congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court, democracy and participation, civil rights.

Enrichment Opportunities

Visit to the House of Commons

Visits to Canterbury University

Visits to LSE and UCL for evening lectures.

End of Unit Test

Autumn Assessment

End of Unit test

Year 12 Mock

End of Unit Test

Autumn Assessment

End of Unit test

Year 13 Mock

Six 9-5 GCSE grades with at least four at grade 6

A minimum of a grade 5 in English Language and Mathematics

Grade 6 in either GCSE History, GCSE Geography or GCSE RS

Typically, we would expect students following essay-based subjects to gain at least a grade 6 in English Language and students following scientific courses to gain at least a grade 7 in Mathematics.

The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the government related sectors.Advanced GCE in Government andPolitics could lead to a wide range of careers and higher education courses. You could take it with other advanced level courses or equivalent to prepare for higher education in areas of Governments and Politics or more general higher education courses.With further training, you could go into a job related to Government and Politics such as working for the local or national government within areas of housing, tax, education, travel and other areas of government. You could also train further to become a member of parliament! The course will also help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the government related sectors.