Government and Politics -

Students do not need to have studied politics at GCSE to join the AS class. We do expect students to have GCSE English at C grade or higher.

Students should be interested in current affairs, especially poitical events in the UK. They should read a quality paper at least once a week and keep up to date with the news.

A qualification in Government and Politics shows employers and universities that the applicant can be analyse events and weigh up their likely consequences. It also demonstrates that they are interested in events outside their normal sphere. Most politics students can explain their views and discuss thoughtfully.

The AS course helps students understand British political institutions. The A2 course introduces students to the ideologies behind British and world politics.

The couse we follow is run by Edexcel.

The main text for AS is: "Success in Politics" by Neil McNaughton, published by John Murray.

For A2 the main text is "Political Ideologies" by Andrew Heywood.

There are many interesting websites, including: www.bbc.co.uk (eg. bbc news then a-z of parliament) www.guardianunlimited.co.uk www.open.gov.uk

Government and Politics AS - Course Outline

In year 12 you study 3 units, take 3 exams and, hopefully, gain an AS

Mr A Southgate

Sept – mid Jan Unit 1 People & Politics

Mid Jan – March Unit 3 Do elections change anything?

March – May Unit 3 Is the EU a threat to sovereignty?

May Revision

Mrs M Wren

Sept-mid Jan Unit 2 Governing the UK

Mid Jan – March Unit 3 Is there a need for constitutional reform?

March – May Unit 3 How united is the UK? May Revision

Government and Politics A2 Course Outline

A2 Route B There are 3 units and 3 exams

Covering: Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Feminism, Fascism, Nationalism and Anarchism.