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What does studying Government
& Politics involve?

In the first year of your study, you will cover three areas:

  • People and Politics
  • Governing the UK
  • The Changing UK System

In the first of these we study how we can be involved in Politics through elections, parties and pressure groups. Secondly, we look at the constitution of the UK, at present undergoing great reform, making this one of the highlights of the course. This also investigates Parliament's role alongside those of Prime Minister, Cabinet, Civil Service and Judiciary. Lastly, we study the implications of constitutional reforms for the future of the UK, including any threat posed by Europe. This is a crucial issue with a referendum promised soon on the new EU constitution.

What do we study in Year 13?

  • Unit 4 UK Political Issues
  • Unit 5 EU and European issues
  • Unit 6 Key Political Issues

How will the 'A' level be taught?

Members of the History Department in both schools teach the course. Learning methods will be of a varied nature although, as with all 'AS' and 'A' Levels, the responsibility will be with the student to undertake some reading and research. Use will be made of academic textbooks and teacher prepared worksheets, as well as the media. The emphasis in class will be on discussion of the key issues.

How is the course examined?

The course offered is the Edexcel Board. All AS students will be entered for three examinations based on the units above in the summer of Year 12. The papers will be written examinations of one hour each based on short answer questions. At A2 there are three written exams. Unit 4 will be taken in January of Year 13 and Units 5 and 6 in the summer.

Can I study both Politics and History?

YES! It is a natural combination. The two subjects follow separate syllabuses and they are not that alike. As with many 'AS' and 'A' Levels, skills such as essay writing at A2 will overlap, but in terms of subject matter they are vastly different. Although, some students do take both many combine Politics with a range of other traditional and newer subjects.


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