Government & Politics
If you are fascinated by the way decisions are made, who makes them and the thinking behind them, then this subject will interest you. Decisions are constantly being made which will affect you and society at large. Studying Government and Politics will provide a greater insight into political beliefs central to an understanding of the modern world.
This course allows you to study contemporary politics and develop a strong understanding of the factors shaping both the British and American systems. This subject also helps in the development of discussion and debating skills.
Exam Board: Edexcel
No Coursework
The AS-level
The AS-level consists of two units which are examined at the end of the lower-sixth year.
Unit 1: People & Politics
This unit introduces students to the key channels of communication between government and the people. It covers the concepts surrounding democracy, elections, political parties and pressure groups.
Unit 2: Governing the UK
This unit examines the major governmental processes within the UK. We look at Parliament, the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the Constitution. The protection and erosion of human rights is also explored in this unit.
The A2-level
The A2 is made up of two further units, which are studied in the upper-sixth year.
Unit 3: Key Themes in Political Analysis
Representative Processes in the USA – This unit provides an introduction to the American political system through an analysis of the elections, pressure groups, parties and the racial politics of the USA.
Unit 4: Extended Themes in Political Analysis
Governing the USA – Building on the work commenced in Unit 3, this unit looks at the main political institutions of the USA, including the Presidency and Federal Bureaucracy, Congress and the Supreme Court. Study of these areas allows students to widen their understanding of the groups looked at in Unit 3.
The one-year course
A one-year AS/A2 course is available for 2010 – 2011 and covers both the AS and A2 courses in full. The pace will be fast, and the workload very demanding in order to cover the material within a year. Only students with exceptional commitment, maturity and drive would be advised to follow this option.
It is possible to join our A2 group after taking AS at another school. Every year we have students who make this transition successfully even though they have previously studied different AS units on another board. Do contact us for advice.
Visits are arranged to Parliament so that students can gain first hand experience of how a government institution works.
Background needed
A good standard of English is important, but the main qualification is curiosity about how society works, and an interest in current affairs. To get the most out of the subject you will need to keep up to date with current events through newspapers, TV, radio and the internet.
Suitable combinations
Politics combines particularly well with Economics, Business Studies, English, History, Law and Sociology, but equally complements most subjects because of its immediate relevance and focus on current affairs.
After A-level
Well regarded by all universities, Politics A-level can lead directly to single subject degrees in Politics or International Relations, and to a wide variety of combined courses. There is a considerable range of options open to graduates, including TV and newspaper journalism, the law, the home and diplomatic civil service, local government, business management and political research.
One main strength though, is that it will give you the knowledge and transferable skills to evaluate and understand some of the most important forces shaping the future of us all.
