AS/A2 EDEXCEL
By studying Politics you will be able to examine many interesting questions:
- Who has political power and why?
- Why do people vote as they do?
- How are political decisions made?
For the Greek philosopher Aristotle, politics was the ‘master science’: that is, nothing less than the activity through which people try to improve their lives and create the ‘good society’.
The subject is not only about current political affairs, but it will help you to take a balanced view of important issues and learn how to evaluate information.
Course Outline
4 units - 2 for AS level and 2 for A2 level.
AS Level
Unit 1 - Democracy and Political Participation
- Participation and Democracy
- Electoral systems
- Party Policies and Ideas
- Pressure Groups
Unit 2 - Governing Modern Britain
- The British constitution
- Parliament
- The PM & the Cabinet
- Judges & Civil Liberties
This will be followed by further specialization at A2.
A2 Level
Unit 3 - Key Themes in Political Analysis:
- Political Ideologies - liberalism, conservatism, socialism, anarchism
Unit 4 - Extended Themes in Political Analysis:
- Governing the USA - Constitution, Congress, Presidency and Supreme Court
Lessons will involve a mixture of teaching and learning methods - teacher led activities, group work and student presentations. There is an annual trip to Westminster, a visit to the USA every two years (including a conference at the United Nations) and an opportunity to attend student conferences. In addition outside speakers (including MPs and university academics) are invited in to talk on specific topics.
Preferred Entry Requirements
A good spread of GCSEs including a grade C or above in English Language.
Politics is likely to suit students who have an interest in the world around them, enjoy debate, discussion and argument, and like to think for themselves.*
*Please note that your enrolment on to a particular course must be approved by the Head of that department. |
