AS/A2 Politics

AS / A2 Politics

WHY TAKE POLITICS?
Politics affects virtually everything we do in our day-to-day lives; the type of education we receive, the quality of housing we live in, the amount of money in our pockets and the quality of life we have in the future. An A Level in Politics provides an excellent background for careers in law, journalism, the caring professions, teaching, and a range of management and business areas. You might, of course, also become Prime Minister like History graduate Gordon Brown.

WHAT ARE THE KEY AREAS OF STUDY?
The AS course focuses upon British politics and topics such as political parties, pressure groups, the role of the Prime Minister and the significance of Parliament.

The A2 course builds upon the topics covered in the AS course focuses upon American politics. Knowledge of contemporary political events is crucial in both years of study.

WHAT SKILLS WILL I NEED AND DEVELOP?
You should have good written and communication skills. You will develop the ability to construct academic arguments in addition to evaluating evidence from a variety of different views.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
You will sit a January examination in your first year examining your work on political parties and pressure groups. This will account for 50% of your AS grade. A further examination on the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and Parliament in the summer of your first year will account for a further 50% of your AS grade.

In your second year you will sit two further examinations testing your knowledge of the US political system. There is no coursework in either the AS or A2 year.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
There are lots of opportunities for Politics students to get involved in additional activities including the History Society magazine, History Today, which is written and edited by students. Over the past 2 years students have also visited London, Washington and New York and Rome and Sorrento.