Politics — A Level

In many ways, politics is the history of tomorrow. However, although referencing situations from the past and exploring concepts, ideologies and philosophies, politics very much focuses on what is happening in the present. You will be encouraged to read newspapers, watch current-affairs programmes and to be aware of pressure group and other political campaigning/debates on social media. This makes it a lively, relevant and often controversial field of study. 

A Level Politics allows for an understanding of where power lies, how it is exercised and how it can be changed/challenged. We will get to grips with Politics on a global, national and local scale, debating the major issues of the day.

Year 1: Politics of the UK.
This explores topics such as Parties, Pressure Groups, the UK Constitution, the Prime Minister, Parliament, Elections and the Media. We examine a range of evidence including Black Lives Matter, Extinction Rebellion, past and present divisions within the Labour and Conservative parties, lobbying scandals, lowering the voting age, the role of the Supreme Court, the devolved governments, the impact of leaving the EU, the social care crisis and so on. Throughout the course, we consider the important question: ‘How democratic is the UK really?’

Year 2 Politics of the US (Comparative Politics)
As this mirrors the structure of the Year 1 course, in order for comparisons to be made between the UK and the US, we explore Parties, Pressure Groups, the US Constitution, the President, Elections and the Media. We examine a range such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, Trump and Biden, the decision to leave Afghanistan, attitudes to abortion, campaign finance scandals, the power of the Supreme Court, gun laws and much more. Throughout the course we consider the questions: ‘How democratic is the US really?’ and ‘How does it compare with the UK?’.

Political Ideas
This part of the A Level course involves in-depth look at key political ideologies such as Socialism, Liberalism, Conservatism and Multiculturalism, which underpin both the UK and US political systems. We look at how the ideas emerged, the individuals who have developed them and how they play out in reality. We also compare them with concepts such as Feminism, Anarchism and Ecologism.

Assessment
These modules are assessed via exam, with the AS Level being taken at the end of Year 1 and the A Level at the end of Year 2. The exams are a mixture of short-answer questions, source-based questions and essay-style questions.

As well as your in-class learning, you will also have the opportunity to attend dedicated A Level Politics lecture days and study trips during the course, e.g. a day trip to Parliament and Liverpool City Council. We also endeavour to get a range of local and national political figures to speak to classes.

Student Benefits

Academy Bakery

The Academy Bakery is located on the Duke Street campus, producing a range of first class baked goods daily. These include artisan breads, patisserie and biscuits, as well as special occasion/novelty cakes by award-winning master-bakers. Students are offered a range of discounts throughout the year.

The Academy Bakery

Academy Hair and Beauty Salons

Duke Street is also home to The Academy Hair and Beauty salons. They offer generous student discounts on a wide range of hair and beauty treatments, at a fraction of high-street prices. These include styling, cutting, perming, highlights, facials, manicures, electrolysis and traditional and homeopathic massage.

The Academy Salons

Academy Restaurant

Duke Street campus is also home to the College’s Academy Restaurant. Often referred to by it’s customers as Liverpool’s hidden gem, the restaurant serves top class cuisine, at highly competitive prices. Food is expertly prepared by professional chef/tutors and young chefs in training and offers students a range of discounts at different times of the year.

The Academy Restaurant

Microsoft Office 365 - Free

When you become a student of the College you’ll receive full access to Microsoft Office 365. This allows you to install the software on your own computer and other devices at home, completely free of charge.

Onsite Sports Facilities/Fitness Suite

The college has excellent sports and fitness facilities at its Roscoe Street campus. Students pay a one-off membership fee for all year round usage of weekly supervised gym sessions, as well as access to a number of sporting clubs and events.