A level Government and Politics12/11/2008 - |
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‘A’ Level Government & Politics What will I learn? We are following the AQA specifications. At A/S there are two units; both examinations will be sat in the summer term and both are 1 hour 30 minute written examinations with two structured source based questions from a choice of four. UNIT 1 – People, Politics and Participation This unit focuses on the theme of political behaviour in the UK. It explores how people's different patterns of participation can be explained and the forms of participation in a democracy. The importance of voting behaviour, the influence of electoral systems in communicating political opinion and the controversies surrounding the use of referendums are crucial topics for analysis. The principal institutions through which people's participation is achieved: political parties and pressure groups are explored in terms of communicating views, shaping people's political ideas and the acquisition of resources which are likely to make them more powerful within the wider political system. UNIT 2 - Governing Modern Britain This unit focuses on the process of governing the UK, with power dispersed from local to European levels. The extent to which Britain's unique constitution regulates the process of government and maintains the balance between individual rights and the power of the state is explored. The role of Westminster in providing a democratic element in government is examined as well as the degree to which power rests in the hands of unelected bureaucrats. The direction which government takes is analysed at the very apex of power in arrangements within the core executive. Lessons are lively and debate is stimulated by regular visiting speakers including politicians and university lecturers. We also attend a 6th form Politics conference in London in December and visit Parliament in the Spring. At A2 there are two more 1 hour 30 minute units which will both be sat in the Summer Term and will involve two essay questions from a choice of four. This is an exciting course providing the opportunity to compare the UK to our “cousins across the pond”. UNIT 3A - The Politics of the USA Topics include: The Electoral Process and Direct Democracy; Political Parties; Voting Behaviour; Pressure Groups and Protest Movements. UNIT 4A -The Government of the USA Topics include: The Constitutional Framework of US Government; The Legislative Branch of Government: US Congress; The Executive Branch of Government and The Judicial Branch of Government: The Supreme Court. A2 offers many opportunities for individual study and research in order to focus and specialise on topical issues. Student conferences will also be attended and it may be possible to visit Washington DC at some point. What are the entry requirements? The entry requirements are the same as admission onto all AS and A2 Level courses at Biddenham which is 5 Grade Cs at GCSE, but it obviously helps if you are generally interested in society and how it works. If you have enjoyed English, History, Geography or the discussions in Citizenship or RE at GCSE, you are very likely to enjoy Politics at A Level. What are the costs? Conferences and the trip to Parliament are optional although strongly recommended. Prices of conferences and train fares vary but recent conference tickets have been £16. Is there anything else I need to know? Ms Rose is very happy to discuss any of the details of the course, and your suitability for it, with you. Future opportunities The study Government and Politics enables students to develop a wide range of highly valued skills including the ability to comprehend, synthesise and interpret information; analyse and evaluate knowledge; identify connections, similarities and differences between the areas studied; select relevant material and construct and communicate arguments clearly and coherently using appropriate vocabulary. Politics ‘A’ level students choose a wide range of degree courses including: Public Policy, Law, PPE, SPS and Management as well as Politics itself. |
