Head of Department |
Mr G Penny |
Teachers |
Mrs M Clements |
Mr P Griffiths |
Mr R Macpherson |
Mrs E Smith |
Government and Politics is offered at post-16 only. Students can opt for this course during the Year 11 Options process.
The course aims to develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and government both in the UK and the USA. In addition, students examine several aspects of key political ideologies.
At AS Level students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the political system of the UK. The AS specification has 2 units:
Unit 1: Government in Wales and the UK
Unit 2: Living and participating in a democracy
At A2 students will develop a detailed understanding of the political system in the USA and examine several aspects of political ideologies.
Unit 3: Political concepts and theories
Unit 4: Government and politics of the USA
AS Politics – the students sit two AS papers, one per module.
Each paper is 1 hour 30 minutes and the papers comprise of a mixture of data response questions and essay style questions. Each paper contributes 50% of the total AS (20% of the total A level marks).
A2 assessment comprises of 2 modules – each paper is 2 hrs 30 minutes, each contributes to 30% of the A Level grade and the papers mostly comprise of essay style questions.
You must have achieved a minimum of 5 A* – C grades at GCSE, including a C in History (or a similar Humanities subject) and a C in English Language.
Formal teaching is used at times but you are encouraged to read relevant articles. Relevant TV and radio programmes are regularly used too.
Take an interest now in political issues both here and in the USA. Studying AS and A Level Politics requires considerable commitment, enthusiasm and a passion for studying the past. You will be encouraged to read widely, both specialist books linked to the areas of study and more general reading to expand your political vocabulary and understanding.
Politics is often favoured by students of History or Sociology, but also combines well with other Arts and Social Science subjects.
Politics is an excellent subject in preparation for many careers. It provides possibilities for careers in professions such as journalism, management, personnel, politics and the civil service.
Enthusiastic students go on to take a degree in the subject or joint honours with another. Further information is available from Mr G Penny.
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