2023 results: A*-B = 77.8% / A*-A = 46%

Content 

There are three components to the A Level course, each carrying equal weight:

• Government and politics of the UK
• Government and politics of the USA and comparative politics
• Political ideas: liberalism, conservatism, socialism and nationalism

There are three assessment objectives for the AQA A Level course:

• AO1: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of political institutions, processes, concepts, theories and issues (30-40%)
• AO2: Analyse aspects of politics and political information, including in relation to parallels, connections, similarities and differences (35-45%)
• AO3: Evaluate aspects of politics and political information, including to construct arguments, make substantiated judgements and draw conclusions (25-35%)

The examination consists of three two-hour papers, each dealing with one component and consisting of a mixture of short-answer and extended response essay questions.

Assessment, Marking and Feedback

Tracking Progress

Regular homework assignments and timed questions are set and students are given feedback based on the assessment criteria of the examination board. Students are encouraged to use this to set their own targets for development and then to monitor their achievements in addressing these.

Assessments

The assessments set throughout the course are designed to allow students to practise the skills needed for the final examinations. The A level grade is based entirely on the three examinations sat at the end of Year 13.

Marking

Practice assessments will be returned to students within two weeks indicating strengths and weaknesses. Students are encouraged to use this to set their own targets for the next piece of work.

Mark Schemes

Please click here for the AQA A Level Politics mark schemes.

Specification 

Please click here for the AQA A Level Politics specification

Advice

Students who are successful in the A Level Politics course are willing to extend their knowledge and deepen their understanding through wider reading. It is particularly important for the Politics of the UK and USA components that students follow the news and read articles on current issues. Students need to develop efficient note-making systems and to be well organised. They also need to be ready to contribute ideas and insights in class as the quality of class discussions makes a significant contribution to the achievement of members of the group.

Past papers

Please click here for the AQA A Level Politics past papers

Potential careers

• Journalism
• Media
• Central and local government
• Civil service
• International organisations
• Business

Please also click here to find out more.

Alumni 

Of our recent 2022 cohort, students have left to pursue the following:

Human, Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge

Law and International Relations at Liverpool

Amongst the group who completed their Politics A-level in 2021, students
obtained places on the following degree courses:

History and Politics at Durham

Social Sciences at Edinburgh

International Politics at Nottingham

PPE (Politics Philosophy and Economics) at Kent 

Clubs

There is a weekly History and Current Affairs club for students in Years 11-13.

Trips and visits

Last year, the Politics cohort enjoyed a lot of extra-curricular opportunities.

They enjoyed visits from Damian Green MP, Sally-Ann Hart MP, Councillor Sally Gathern and Lord Colgrain. Here, students were able to ask questions and gain an insight into the workings of politics beyond the classroom.

Students also visited the Houses of Parliament in February for a comprehensive tour.