A Level Politics

Overview

  • 16-18

Details

To apply for A Levels

Please choose an initial A Level you would like to apply for, then follow the on screen instructions on the online application form.  Add the names of the additional A Levels you would like to study into your personal statement, indicating why you have selected those options.

Course content

There has never been a better time to study Politics. Unexpected elections, surprise referendum results, an earthquake in American Politics. The subject is vibrant and fascinating at present and you can learn about everything that has been going on and gain a much greater understanding of the world around you from this course!

We will study such things as why is the mass media so important to political victory, why does Parliament now have an enhanced role in our democracy, is the current Prime Minister weak or strong, why did people vote for BREXIT and Trump, what are the functions of political parties, what is the role and actions of pressure groups and much much more…

What have students who have taken this course in the past progressed to?

Politics is one of the subjects which is highly regarded by Universities and is particularly useful for students wanting to pursue careers in law, the police, the media or journalism and for anyone who just wants a greater knowledge of the world around them. This course will lead you into all sorts of career paths and university choices but you will be mainly interested in a legal career, political science, journalism and literature. It is useful in a wide range of careers such as the legal profession, the civil service, teaching, local government, politics, and in pressure groups and charities. History skills are especially useful in research based occupations such as journalism, the police and the law.

How will I learn?

You will experience a variety of teaching methods and styles and there are opportunities to take trips to a variety of sites to develop your understanding further. For example, there are regular trips to Parliament and to the Courts in London.

How will I be assessed?

There are two written exams at the end of the course and guidance will be given on how to answer questions in the exams throughout the course.

Equipment and other costs

Specific to this course you will be expected to buy key texts and also there will be trips to areas of interest.

What qualification do I get on completing this course?

A Level Politics

Where have students gone to after completing this course?

University

Is there additional work required by the student?

You will be expected to spend around 5 hours per week outside lesson time to complete set work. In addition, you will be required to sign up to the course Twitter feed in order to maintain a “Diary of Political Events.” This will be invaluable when it comes to exams as it will provide you with up-to-date examples which you can use.

What are the expected employment areas with this course?

Legal, Politics

Awarding Body

Edexcel logo

Entry Requirements

Apart from the general entry criteria for A-levels (6 GCSEs at grades 5-9), you must have grade 5 in one of the following subjects: English Language, English Literature, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, History or Politics.

Expected prior knowledge

You should have a strong interest in current affairs and in particular political debate. An interest in the world around you is a must!

English level

GCSE grade 5 or above.

Mathematics level

GCSE grade 5 or above.

Support

Free Meals in FE

If you are aged between 16 and 18 on 31st August (the year you start your studies) and received free school meals when you were at school, you may be eligible to receive a free meal at College. For more information on free school meals, click here.

Further Education Fees (16-18)

All our Further Education (FE) courses (Entry to Level 3) are free to EU residents who are under 19 years old on the 31st August (the year you start your studies). For a few courses you may be expected to contribute towards the cost of specialist materials and resources. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial help from the College’s Learner Support Fund. You should apply for any such financial support as soon as you have been offered a place.

Childcare

Financial support to help with childcare

Care to learn - childcare support for young people aged 16-20

If you are aged under 20 at the beginning of your course, or moving to the 2nd year of a level 3 course, and are caring for your own child you may be entitled to £175.00 maximum per week, per child through Care to Learn. 

Please ensure you register on the Care to Learn website even if you haven’t chosen your childcare provider or the course you want to study.  Once you have registered Care to Learn will confirm financial support in principle.

For further details and help with making an application please visit https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or speak to a Student Advisor.

Childcare support for people aged 20+

Financial support towards the cost of nursery, childminder, breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.

If you are aged 20+ when you start a course and need financial support to help with the cost of childcare while you study the college may be able to help.

You will be required to make use of any government NEF or 2+ Funding before requesting any financial support from the college.

It is essential that you speak to a Student Advisor prior to enrolling on a course to discuss your personal circumstances, childcare needs and to find out if there are funds available.

Eligibility for help with childcare costs is based on your personal circumstances.

General eligibility criteria:

  • Aged 20 and over
  • Considered a home student for fee purposes
  • Fully enrolled on a programme of study funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency  or in receipt of a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan
  • Discussed and had confirmation of funding for childcare support before enrolling

Financial eligibility:

 You need to have evidence that you meet general discretionary Learner Support Funds or 19+ Advanced Learning Loan bursary fund criteria:

  • on a low income / a dependent of someone who is on a low income or in receipt of a means tested benefit e.g. Income Support / Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, housing benefit etc.

When looking for childcare please be aware:

  • all childcare providers must be OFSTED registered
  • any 2+ or 3+ government funding must be used by the student. Only additional hours needed for study will be funded by the College.
  • childcare will only be paid for days when you are attending College or a mandatory work placement.
  • students on full-time courses will be a priority for childcare funding.
  • childcare places will be subject to a contract between College/student/nursery.
  • childcare payments are made subject to students reaching 85% attendance on a monthly basis.

All childcare applicants approved for funding will be required to sign our Terms & Conditions and MUST inform the College immediately should they stop attending lessons for any reason.

Email learner.services@cwc.ac.uk to put your name on the childcare waiting list.  You MUST speak to a member of the Student Advice or Learner Services team before you enrol on a course.

Financial Support for 16-18 Year-olds and Continuing Learners aged 19

The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependent of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course-related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.

For further information click here.

For further information on financial support for Looked after Children, Care Leavers and estranged young people, click here