Politics - KS5

Politics at Salesian means the study of power, democracy, governance and service, helping us understand the decisions that shape our world. 

Through the A Level course, you will explore the foundations of British democracy, the function of government in the UK, and key contemporary political issues. You will also study comparative politics, examining political systems beyond the UK to develop a broader understanding of the process of governance. Alongside gaining knowledge of political institutions and ideologies, you will develop valuable transferable skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to construct and evaluate arguments – skills that are highly valued in a wide range of careers, from law and journalism to business and the civil service. Whilst Politics is only available as a post-16 subject, the department introduces key concepts such as democracy and participation throughout all key stages within the PSHE curriculum as well as Key Stage 3 and 4 enrichment activities. We encourage our young people to go out into the world as informed and responsible Salesians to build the kingdom.

KS5 Curriculum

Across the A Level Politics course, students develop a deep understanding of political systems, ideologies, and institutions in both the UK and the USA. In Year 12, they explore UK Politics and Government, examining democracy, political parties, electoral systems, and the constitution. They also study core political ideas—conservatism, liberalism, and socialism—alongside one non-core ideology, analysing their principles and key thinkers. In Year 13, students turn to the US political system, investigating its constitution, Congress, Supreme Court, civil rights, and democratic processes, while drawing comparisons with the UK. Throughout the course, students build critical skills such as interpreting and evaluating political information, constructing coherent arguments, and using precise political terminology. They learn to identify connections across topics and develop a comparative perspective on global politics. This rigorous academic training equips students with analytical thinking, effective communication, and a nuanced understanding of political power and participation in modern democracies.