Politics AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: AQA

The study of Politics teaches pupils to consider different views and develop independent thought. It also improves skills of investigation and research. Pupils need to have an enquiring mind and an interest in current affairs. Pupils who study Politics will be expected to keep up with developments in British and American Politics. They will also study the ideas of key Political thinkers such as John Stuart Mill, Betty Friedan, Edmund Burke and Karl Marx.

Politics will give you an understanding of how power and the government works, as well as the underlying philosophy of the main political parties in the UK and USA.

Lessons will involve pupils in communicating arguments and explanations in a coherent manner both orally and in writing. Pupils with A Level Politics have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. Politics should be considered as a choice because of its relevance to the modern world and can lead to university courses in such areas as business, economics, law, media and, of course, politics.

A LEVEL EXAMINATION

PAPER 1

Politics of the UK

This section covers Political Parties and Pressure Groups along with UK Parliamentary Elections and Voting Behaviour.

Government of the UK

This section covers the relationships between the British Cabinet, Parliament and the Senior Judges. It also analyses the rights and liberties of individuals as well as the means by which they can defend their freedom.

WEIGHTING 33.3%

PAPER 2

The Government and Politics of the USA

This unit builds on the knowledge of political issues and debates. It covers the operation of politics in the USA, including the relationship between Congress, The Supreme Court and The President. It also deals with the nature of American elections and political parties. You will compare US Politics with UK Politics.

WEIGHTING 33.3%

PAPER 3

Political Ideas

Many political ideas are covered, including the Nation State, Power, Authority, Rights, Justice and Political Ideology, including Liberalism, Socialism and Conservatism.

WEIGHTING 33.3%

The specification will be assessed through three examination papers using a mixture of short questions and stimulus questions, which use an extract.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Government and Politics, which could lead onto higher education in areas of Governments and Politics or more general higher education courses. Pupils with AS or A Level Politics have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities. Politics should be considered as a choice because of its relevance to the modern world. Politics leads to university courses in such areas as business, economics, law, media and, of course, politics. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will help you develop the skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for, especially in the government related sectors. 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!