AS/A Level Government & Politics
Subject Staff: Mark Barrett (Head of Subject); Jamie Edmundson
- Level: AS/A Level
- Duration: 2 years
Why should I choose this course?
- I want to study something different and have an interest in the world around me
- I am interested in visiting the USA and touring places such as The White House and Pentagon
- I would like the opportunity to participate in a debating competition with a prize trophy at the end
- I am interested in developing skills of video-making and uploading them for use in sites like YouTube
- I would like to meet the people who govern me
- I am interested in studying Law or Politics at University, or just want a course that develops lots of skills.
What does the course consist of?
- An examination of the role television and the media play in Politics
- Lots of discussions, debates and videos
- Answering questions like:
• Why is the mass media so important to politicians?
• Why did the Government join the USA in the war against Iraq, and was it right to do so?
• What is the threat to the UK from terrorism?
• What should be done about crime and with those who commit it?
• Why did Labour win the 2005 General Election, and who will win the next one?
• Why am I going to have to pay thousands of pounds to go to University?
- Enrichment activities, like a trip to Washington D.C. in the USA
- The opportunity for some students to participate in a week-long work experience programme at the House of Commons in London
What are the entry requirements?
- At least 5 A* to C passes at GCSE, preferably including English
How is this course assessed?
- There is no coursework component
- A2 examinations are broken down so that they are split into January and June sittings in the second year
What might this course lead on to?
- Higher Education, including Law (for which it is recommended)
- Careers in the media, journalism, police
- Many other skills are developed such as discussion and debating which are suitable for a wide range of careers