AS/A2 Government and Politics
Teacher in charge of Subject
Mr M Parry
mparry@commonweal.co.uk
Overview
The A Level Government and Politics course will provide you with an in-depth insight into the goings on in the UK and USA political system. It will provide theoretical knowledge, and practical skills of analysis to really understand what is going on in the world.
The world is continuously shaped, and reshaped by the ever fluctuating world of politics. We will study topics that will shed light on those events, allowing for discussions and analysis of the political world.
Government and Politics will allow you excellent skills and knowledge which will open doors and start you on the path to a variety of possible future careers. It will help you in your future career, allowing the opportunity to work in a variety of types of jobs.
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Course Title
AS/A2 Government and Politics
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Exam Board and Specification No.
Edexcel AS: 8PL0. A Level: 9PL0
What do I need to have studied/have knowledge of?
No prior knowledge of the subject is required. It is recommended that candidates have attained communication and literacy skills at a level equivalent to GCSE grade 6 in English. It is key that you have a real interest in government and politics, current affairs and the news.
What will I learn on this course?
Year 1 will cover:
- UK Politics
democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media - UK Government
the constitution, Parliament, Prime Minister and executive, The relationship between these institutions
Year 2 will cover:
- Core Political Ideas
Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism - Non-Core Political Ideas
one of: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism or nationalism - USA
the US constitution and federalism, US Congress, US Presidency, US Supreme Court, Democracy and Participation, Civil Rights
What key skills will I develop?
It is important that you have an interest in politics, the news and current affairs. Skills of analysis and evaluation will be vital. You will need to be able to keep up to date with current affairs, analyse and evaluate them in the context of topics that we study.
You will gain a vast knowledge of key aspects of politics and government in the UK and USA. Equally you will develop your ability to compare and contrast different systems around the world.
How will I be assessed?
AS Level: 2 exams at the end of year 1
These two papers involve small essay questions, some with a source and some without, based solely on your own knowledge and understanding.
- Paper 1: UK Politics (1 hour, 45 minutes)
- Paper 2: UK Government (1 hour, 45 minutes)
A Level: 3 exams in year 2
These three papers involve some small essay questions, some with a source and some without, based solely on your own knowledge and understanding. In addition to this there are several shorter questions that require students to make comparisons between the USA and UK systems.
- Paper 1: UK Political Participation and Core Political Ideas (2 hours)
- Paper 2: UK Government and non-core political ideas (2 hours)
- Paper 3: USA Government and comparative politics (2 hours)
What could this course lead to?
AS and A Level Government and Politics provide an excellent preparation for the world of business, local government agencies, non-government agencies and continuing studies in Politics.
Additional events, trips or enrichment activities
There are several extra-curricular activities, including a visit to Parliament and speakers coming in to give students a real life insight into Politics.
Are there any additional costs for this course?
No
Who do I contact if I have any further questions?
Mr Parry – mparry@commonweal.co.uk
