Government and Politics A Level

Curriculum Intent

To explain how politicians in the UK and USA attempt to gain power and exercise it. It looks at political parties, the role of the Prime Minister and US president, how the House of Commons and House of Lords works, what the US Congress does, the role of the Supreme Court, what devolution is, the role of the media and how elections work. Also studying 4 political viewpoints - liberalism, conservatism, socialism and ecologism. It will furnish you with a range of viewpoints and considerations so you can come to your own conclusions about how power is wielded in the UK and America. It should make you more open-minded but also enable you to draw your own conclusions about the great political questions of the day.

Why should I study 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. 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.

What skills will I gain?

Government and Politics will enable students to develop a wide range of skills including the ability to comprehend, synthesise and interpret political information; analyse and evaluate political knowledge; identify connections, similarities and differences between the areas studied; select relevant material and construct and communicate arguments clearly and coherently using appropriate political vocabulary. Students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the British political system, concentrating on People, Politics and Participation as well as Governing Modern Britain, US Politics and ideologies.

What career paths is Government and Politics suitable for?

Well regarded by all universities, Government & 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 career paths that can be opened, including TV and Newspaper Journalism, the Law, the Home and Diplomatic Civil Service, Local Government, Business Management and Political Research. One main strength 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.

Entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above; including English and/or maths.
• National data suggests successful students will have achieved an average points score of 5.15 or more.