Politics
Why Study Politics?
Politics affects every aspect of our lives—from education and healthcare to climate change and civil rights. By studying Politics, students become informed citizens who can participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Whether voting, campaigning, or simply discussing issues with others, Politics students are equipped to make a difference.
Studying A Level Politics is an intellectually rewarding choice for students who want to understand the world around them and play an active role in shaping the future. Politics as a subject requires us to constantly engage with events in the world around us, as we seek to understand and critique the structures, ideas and debates that underpin political life in the UK and also in the USA through the Comparative Politics Component.
Politics is the study of how decisions are made, who holds power, and how that power is used. Students gain insight into how laws are created, how governments function, and how citizens can influence political outcomes. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to understand current affairs, challenge injustice, or contribute to democratic society.
A-Level Politics introduces students to key political ideologies. At Woodbridge, we study Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, and Feminism. These ideas shape the policies and values of governments and political movements across the globe. By studying them, students learn to think critically about the principles that guide political action and develop their own informed opinions.
The course includes contemporary case studies. Every idea we study must be grounded in real-world examples, so you will be well-informed about key political moments from the last thirty years. Students are encouraged to follow the news, debate current events, and apply their learning to real-world scenarios, so politics is not just about the past. This combination makes Politics one of the most relevant and up-to-date subjects available.
Politics is entirely assessed through essay questions at the end of the course. This means students develop excellent written skills which are highly valued by universities and employers.
Year 12 – Politics
In Year 12, students study:
Component 1:
Voting Rights and Democracy, UK Political Parties, Liberalism, Conservatism
Component 2:
UK Constitution, Devolution, Parliament, Prime Minister and Cabinet
Component 3:
US Constitution, Congress, President
Year 13 – Politics
In Year 13, students study:
Component 1:
Socialism, Political Participation, Media Influence on Politics, Electoral Systems and Referendums
Component 2:
Feminism, Supreme Court of the UK, Sovereignty
Component 3:
US Supreme Court, Racial Equality in the USA, Political Participation in the USA
Future Pathways
Students who have studied A-Level Politics have gone on to careers in law, journalism, public service and international relations, and more.