A LEVEL
Politics is a fascinating subject that affects every member of society.
As someone who will soon be eligible to vote, you will have the chance to influence and shape UK society and studying Politics will give you an insight into the processes of government, how decision-making takes place and how the government can be held accountable for its actions.
We’re living through fascinating political times.
You will learn about fundamental elements of UK politics such as:
The Politics department organises a range of events to take politics out of the textbook and into real life. Recent activities include talks by Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, Afzal Kahn MP, Model United Nations Workshop, Learn with the Lords, visit to Parliament and a visit to the People’s History Museum.
Through your Politics A Level’s three modules you’ll learn the workings of myriad forms of governing structures – from anarchy to aristocracy, democracy to dictatorship.
We’ll look into the UK’s political process, and core ideologies such as conservativism, liberalism and socialism. We’ll investigate how all the component parts of the British political system are engineered to work in equilibrium – from the constitution, to the executive – which comprises the Crown and the UK Government, including the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers.
And analyse how politics plays out across the world, from how political systems can bring us closer together or drive us further apart. We’ll cover sovereignty and globalisation, global governance, and learn all about our neighbours and the role we play alongside the European Union.
You’ll be learning through dozens of real-life political scenarios and broadening your worldview through debate, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
Past trips have included Political Party conferences, and visits to Westminster and Washington DC.
Here at Xaverian we regularly welcome elected officials, academics and journalists to share their perspectives in workshops and lectures.
You’ll also have the chance to take part in Xaverian’s Model United Nations, Current Affairs and Feminist clubs.
And at the end of a busy academic year you can also continue your studies on summer schools offered by the universities of Oxford and Manchester.
One big reason many students choose this course here at Xaverian is that we teach global politics.
Many other Greater Manchester colleges focus on British and American politics. We take a much more wide-ranging view. Contextualising Britain within world politics will be increasingly important as the territory seeks to become a global player on its own two feet.
You’re about to take part in an intriguing video workshop about why the news is such an important part of this course.
The political landscape changes every day. When it comes to exams, you might discover something happening that week influences your answers.
Expressing what you believe – accurately and concisely – is a skill that will help you through life. And learning to engage in political processes teaches us that individuals really can change the world.
You’ll discover during today’s session exactly why news and the media is such an important part of the daily diet of a Politics student.
And in fact, why every Xaverian student should make staying up-to-date with the news agenda part of their schedule, as they look to grow their appreciation of contemporary issues from many different perspectives.
We’ll start with a quick quiz before working through an exercise to understand the many different players in the handling of exam results during the summer of 2020 as the world was in the grip of a COVID-19 pandemic.
Democracy and participation, the Prime Minister and his Cabinet, Parliament, and devolution were all under the spotlight in news stories debating the issue.
Staying on top of the news is critical to getting great grades in your Politics exams. You’ll have a healthy interest in local, national and international current affairs and following how Politics affects – and is affected by – the changing face of our world, from technology to terrorism.
We’ll address environmental issues. Conflict. Levelling up investment. Judicial reviews, and suing the government. No stone is unturned during your studies on this lively and important course.
Graduates are regularly hired by public service, media, charity and private sector organisations. In a few years’ time you could find yourself in one of these roles:
There is a wide range of politics Degree courses available at university, and many aligned study programmes, including Philosophy and Economics, International Relations and Social Policy.
Politics-related Degrees are useful in two ways. You have a broader picture of the state of the nation and how major national and international political, social and economic institutions work, and you can apply your critical thinking skills to project management roles across many different industry sectors.
UK Politics and Core Political Ideas. This section explores the nature of politics and how people engage in the political process in the UK and core political ideas.
UK Government and Non-core Political Ideas. There are two sections within this component, the design of the governing system in UK and the location of power. Students also cover feminism.
Comparative Politics: Global Politics. Global politics gives students an opportunity to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity.
Six good passes at GCSE including two at grade 6 or above
Grade 5 from English (4 will be considered)
2 years
3 final exams
Linear A-level
Edexcel
Choose this A Level and during your second year at Xaverian take advantage of a eight-week crash course in undergraduate life through our close ties with Manchester University.
Weekly two-hour sessions during your autumn term focus on some of the most important study skills for your university success – including critical thinking, oral communication, essay writing and interpreting complex information.
You’ll learn through methods familiar to higher education students – including lectures, reading tasks and interactive group discussion.
Taking part in the Pre-U course and you’ll also receive a one A Level grade reduction in the standard entry requirements if you apply to Manchester University.
Two Xaverian students, Ben Haughton, previously a student at West Hill School and studying A Levels in Biology, Geography and Psychology and Reuben Rowbotham-Keating, previously …
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance visit Xaverian College on an annual basis to run performance masterclasses, spending hours coaching A Level Music and …
Ten outstanding students from Xaverian College have received offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Following months of intensive …
Two Xaverian students, Ben Haughton, previously a student at West Hill School and studying A Levels in Biology, Geography and Psychology and Reuben Rowbotham-Keating, previously …
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance visit Xaverian College on an annual basis to run performance masterclasses, spending hours coaching A Level Music and …
Ten outstanding students from Xaverian College have received offers to study at the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. Following months of intensive …
