Politics

About the Course

This course comprises the theoretical analysis of the interaction between human beings within domestic society and between states.

It is an exciting time to be studying politics due to the changing political landscape and the rapid change within and between political parties. To be a successful student of Politics, you must have a keen aptitude for critical thinking and must love reading the news. The first year focuses on the structures and processes within the British political system. The role of democracy and participation, the operation of different electoral systems throughout the UK, the policies of the main political parties and an examination of why people vote the way they do and how this relates to the media.

The second unit focuses on the structure of the British political system in terms of the constitution, the role of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, the inner workings of Parliament and the role of the Judiciary. Alongside this we will look at the philosophical underpinnings of Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism. Students will also study a non-core ideology, at West London Free School, we teach either Feminism or Ecologism. 

The second year focuses on Global Politics - the relationship between sovereign states, in a system where there is no superior authority over matters which they consider of vital interest. In a world of increasing international conflict, we analyse the nature of the international political system – the rules and forces governing the behaviour of states, the factors that lead to military conflict or peaceful cooperation, and the current trends towards either a more integrated or a more fragmented world.

You will study the effectiveness of the United Nations Security Council, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. You will analyse topics such as the rise of China, the status of the US, the role of civil society and the changing character of warfare and terrorism. You will also look at the impact of globalisation on international economic development and international human rights and poverty. This course is particularly suitable for students who have a keen interest in domestic and international affairs, and those who would like to study courses such as Politics, History and Politics, International Relations, Human, Social and Political Sciences (HSP), Philosophy, politics and economics (PPE - it is recommended you also have maths for a PPE application) and any other subject incorporating social science e.g. Sustainability or Sociology.

Examination Board

Pearson Edexcel

Course Structure

• Unit 1 UK Politics
• Unit 2 UK Government
• Unit 3 Comparative Politics