Politics AS and A Level

Is this subject right for me?
Do you watch the news and take a keen interest in current affairs?
Do you enjoy debating and expressing your opinions?
Do you enjoy reading and expressing yourself in writing?

Everyone is affected by Politics. It is about the way that people organise their lives together in a community. The important decisions that affect their lives concerning wealth, health, education and morality, are essentially political decisions. Studying and talking about politics are a necessary part of the life that we lead.

• Are you a free thinker?
• Do you have views on a variety of issues?
• Are you interested in the political system?
• Do you want to influence changes in the law?

Even if you are not passionate about politics now but are prepared to develop an interest and follow current affairs you should consider this subject.

What is the course content?
In the first year you will learn about the make up of the UK's political system by studying

• the political make up of the UK from local to national level and the influence of the European Union
  
  
• the roles and work of the major political parties, recent changes in the political system, and the characteristics of groups such as pressure groups who try to influence changes in the law
  
  
• the different ways of electing representatives and patterns of voting

In the second year you can build on this knowledge by learning about the political system of the USA and then comparing the systems of the UK and the USA.

Alternatively you can study theoretical ideas such as Socialism, Conservatism and Liberalism. How these ideas have developed and how relevant are they now.

How will your work be assessed?
You will sit exams at the end of the first year leading to AS qualification. In this subject there will be one exam in January and the other in June.

At the end of the second year there will be a further two short exams leading to the A Level qualification. There is no coursework in this subject.

During both years it is intended that you will follow national and local political developments as this will bring to life much of the theory. As you become a more confident politician there will be greater scope for debates, arguments and the understanding of issues.

What are the entry requirements?
The general entry requirements for studying at Advanced level apply, and a minimum of grade C in English GCSE is preferred.

Other Information
You will see the political process in action. Groups in recent years have visited Parliament and 10 Downing Street as well as party conferences. We have had visits from local MPs, Ministers and members of pressure groups. We hope you will gain confidence from the course to take part in debates on a range of issues.

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