Government and Politics

Government and Politics is an ideal course for pupils with an interest in History and current political, economic and social affairs. It is an incredibly relevant subject as it draws largely on contemporary issues and will help students studying other Humanities subjects. Due to the nature of this subject, pupils with GCSE grades B and above in History and English would be preferred. However, in certain circumstances, pupils who have not studied History at GCSE, but have a passionate interest in politics may be considered.

 

Employers and Universities look very favourably on this A Level subject. It informs pupils about political ideologies and issues from the past and present and also develops in them a range of transferable skills needed in other A Levels and that will help students to study independently at University and to think for themselves in the workplace. Pupils will learn how to analyse a range of different types of information, how to form a substantiated and balanced argument and how to be able to present their opinions in an intelligent and coherent argument.

 

Pupils will study the AQA syllabus, studying 2 AS Level modules in Year 12 and 2 A2 modules in Year 13 that will lead to a full A Level qualification at the end of Year 13. The course is examined by 2, 1½ hour exams at AS Level and 2 exams of 1 ½ hours for A2. There is no coursework for this syllabus.

 

The course combines contemporary British political issues, with political ideologies and a study of how the government of Britain works. Running through the study is the theme of European integration and the issues it raises for Britain.

 

 

Pupils will study the political culture of Britain, the voting behaviour of the British people and different voting and electoral systems. In particular, pupils will look at the merits and problems of the first past the post system, referendums and mandates. Pupils will also study the beliefs, roles and functions of the major political parties in Britain and role of different pressure groups on the politics of the UK.

 

 

This unit looks at the role and power of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, Government Ministers and Civil Servants. Pupils will also study the roles, function and effectiveness of the House of Commons and House of Lords, the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the European Council.