Government and Political Studies AS and A2 Level
Government and Politics at AS Level will allow you to develop an understanding of the main parties’ ideas and principles, enabling you to make informed choices in future local, national and European elections.
However you will also explore the system upon which the UK’s political world is based with topics including The House of Commons, House of Lords, the judiciary and the constitution.
Moreover you can discover and investigate the issues facing the system by studying contemporary problems such as devolution, pressure groups and the EU. Although the focus is primarily upon UK politics comparisons are made with other nations, particularly those of the EU and the USA.
By A2 Level, with a thorough appreciation of the framework of the political system, you are able to fully immerse yourself into different and wide-ranging ideologies. These are Conservatism, Liberalism, Nationalism, Anarchism, Socialism, Multiculturalism, Ecologism and Feminism.
Assessment is by four examination papers. Two are taken at the end of the AS course in Year 12 and two at the end of Year 13. The papers are set by the Edexcel board.
Some Student Views
“Politics is an interesting subject and easy subject to follow due to politics being integrated into everyday life. Talking politics helps us to have a better understanding of society and opens up the chance to express your opinions on the government and other political issues.”
“Unlike some subjects Politics deals with current affairs, which means that lessons are often filled with lively debates that make this subject enjoyable”
“Starting politics after GCSE was a daunting experience but after just a week of lessons as a class we were having interesting debates and reading about up to date issues.”