Government and Politics
Sacred Heart High School
Course summary
Studying Politics at A-Level enables students to debate current political issues, appreciate how societies are governed and assess who has the power to shape policy-making. The course comprises three separate units which cover the Government and Politics of the UK and the USA as well as studying the three main political ideologies of Conservatism, Liberalism and Socialism, and an additional ideology e.g Feminism. In Yr 12 students will develop a broad understanding of the political system of the UK, studying how power is dispersed from local to European levels. As well at this, students will study participation and politics to analyse what motivates political behaviour in the UK. In Yr 13 students will extend their knowledge to the American political system. Students will analyse the US Constitution and the powers of Congress, the Executive and the Supreme Court. Students will also gain a conceptual understanding of US election campaigns and the power of pressure groups. By the end of the course students will be able to compare the two different political systems and show the benefits and draw backs of each. Learning Beyond the Classroom Students will have a number of opportunities to develop their political understanding and knowledge. These opportunities will include: • Workshop and tour of the Houses of Parliament • External speakers - the Electoral Reform Society, MPs and councillors. • The opportunity to complete work experience in Parliament, with MPs, pressure groups and political parties. • A wide ranging collection of books and resources for student use.
Entry Requirements
Checked against your grades — every rule traces to the school's published source.
Requirements not published — enquire
As published by the school
GCSE Grade 6 or above in English Language or Literature and History or Geography. Students must display an interest in current affairs as this plays an integral part of the intellectual rigour of the subject.
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Assessment
Students will study three units at A-Level, which are both assessed by written examinations. • Paper 1 – Government and politics of the UK • Paper 2 - The Government and politics of the USA and Comparative Politics • Paper 3 – Political Ideas – Feminism, Socialism, Liberalism & Conservatism Each paper is worth 1/3 of the overall grade, and is based upon 3 two-hour exams.
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