Course information
Government and Politics
Dulwich College - Southwark
02086933601
Dulwich Common, Dulwich, London, SE21 7LD
Course summary

is distributed and exercised in society. It is also concerned with people: how they interact, make decisions, and settle disputes. The study of Politics at the A level provides a well-developed understanding of the British and American political environment, as well as the big political ideas which have shaped the Western system of government and society. Politics lessons are marked by discussion and debate, focusing on some of the most pressing issues facing today’s world. We follow the 2017 Pearson Edexcel specification. There are three components, each assessed by a separate examination lasting two hours. As well as writing essays, pupils will also engage with source material and write shorter answers comparing UK and US systems. Component 1: UK Politics Syllabus content includes: Political Participation • Democracy and participation • Political parties • Voting behaviour • The media Core Political Ideas • Conservatism • Liberalism • Socialism Component 2: UK Government Syllabus content includes: UK Government • The constitution • Parliament • Prime Minister and executive • Relationships between the branches Non-core political ideas • Feminism Component 3: Comparative Politics (USA option) Syllabus content includes: • The US Constitution and federalism • US Congress, US presidency • US Supreme Court and civil rights • Democracy and participation • Comparative theories To succeed in Politics, you need to enjoy reading the news and staying abreast of the fast-changing political scene. You also need to be willing to engage with both sides of an argument before coming down on one side. Complemented by a diverse supra-curricular programme – which includes weekly Politics Society meetings with high-profile visiting speakers, and trips to Westminster, Washington DC, and Model United Nation events – the subject provides an excellent grounding for degree courses such as PPE, HSPS, International Relations and Sociology. More widely, its rigorous emphasis on debate, analysis and evaluation will help pupils in any degree or career involving persuasive writing and speaking.

Entry requirements

For those applicants currently studying GCSEs, we also require 14 points as a minimum entry requirement, where Grades 8 and 9 = 3 points, Grade 7 = 2 points and Grade 6 = 1 point. We would expect applicants to achieve significantly higher than our minimum grade requirement. GCSEs should include English Language, Mathematics, and a grade 8 in the three subjects to be studied at A level, where those subjects are being studied for GCSE. For 16+ applicants to enter the Remove from elsewhere in the UK, the minimum requirement for entry will be 14 points at GCSE (see above) or the equivalent. We look for a grade 8 or above in English Language, Mathematics, and all subjects chosen for study at A level. A-level grades are not commonly achieved without at least a grade 8 at GCSE in the same or related subjects. The most competitive universities will expect a mixture of A and A* grades at the A-level.

How you'll be assessed

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionLondon
Local AuthoritySouthwark
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding Fee£48,324 - £51,546
Sixth Form Fee£24,693;
AddressDulwich Common, Dulwich, London, SE21 7LD