From Trump to Treaties and Brexit to Biden - studying Politics involves exploring fascinating real-life, present-day institutions of power and the leaders at the heart of them. Politics is where ideas collide, power is contested, and the future of nations is shaped - and in our Politics Department, students are right at the heart of the debate!

If discovering what’s going on in the UK with the Prime Minister, parliament, the law, government policy, and major issues interests you, then Politics is the subject for you. If you’re intrigued about elections in the USA, the power of the Presidency, civil rights campaigns, Congress, and the Supreme Court, then study politics!

The constant relevance of Politics with what is going on in the news in the UK and around the world means that pupils find the subject both enthralling and highly applicable. Lessons are lively and engaging, plus full of debate and discussion.

Our enrichment opportunities strengthen pupils’ passion for the subject. Each November we take a day trip to tour around Parliament, Whitehall, Downing Street, and the Supreme Court. Overseas trips include a visit to Northern Ireland to understand its devolved parliament, the “Troubles”, and its political parties. We also offer an incredible biennial trip to Washington DC, where we visit the major sites associated with US government.

Politics is a very popular and successful A Level subject, with pupils regularly going on to study Politics, Law, International Relations, and a wide range of other courses. Indeed, an A Level in Politics is applicable to all university degrees. So come and join the fascinating world of Politics at King’s!

Activities & Enrichment:

Alongside the above-mentioned trips, there are regular opportunities in school to hear talks from visiting politicians and other notable figures. Recently, pupils have heard the likes of Sarah Dyke MP and Lord Sir Graham Brady deliver talks, followed by Q&A sessions. The Fitzjames Forum, our weekly informal History society, often has a political focus. Moreover, at times of general elections we run an internal, school-wide mock election, with pupils taking on the roles of candidates, campaign managers, and returning officers. For pupils seeking extra academic support, we offer a weekly subject workshop where tailored one-to-one guidance is provided.

    A Level Politics Specification

    A Level - Main Topic Areas

    1. UK Government & Politics
      The British Constitution, the role & workings of Parliament, the Prime Minister & Cabinet, the law courts, electoral systems, elections, Scottish/Welsh/Northern-Irish parliaments/assemblies, political parties (Conservatives, Labour, Greens etc), rights to protest and pressure groups.

    2. US Government & Politics
      The Constitution & Bill of Rights, Congress, the President & White House, the Supreme Court, electoral systems, elections, political parties (Republicans & Democrats etc), pressure groups and civil rights.

    3. Comparative Politics & Political Ideas
      Comparing the content of the above two political systems (US & UK) to find areas of similarity and difference. The thoughts and practices that form the following political ideas and the key individuals behind them: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and feminism.

    A Level Specification

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