A-Level Government and Politics (Wisbech Partnership)

Ever wondered what that ¿politics¿ word you hear in the news, from your parents and teachers is all about? Ever wondered why you should be bothered about ¿politics¿? Studying government and politics will give you a greater understanding of local, national and world politics. The nature of politics is ever changing so this course will bring in relevant and current issues as well as learning about the nature of different political systems and how they affect us.

Politics simply affects every part of our life. Whether it is the age limit of drinking alcohol or why chomp bars now cost 17p! Studying politics will help you to understand why and help you discover your own opinions on the issues that matter to you now and in your future.

Students taking politics should have an interest in current affairs, major issues facing society today and a willingness to open their mind to the wide and fascinating debates that studying government and politics can lead to.

A-Level Structure:

Year 1 - AS

Unit 1: People, politics and participation
- Participation and voting behaviour
- Electoral systems
- Political parties
- Pressure groups and protest movements

Unit 2: Governing modern Britain
- The British constitution
- Parliament
- The core executive
- Multi-level governance

Year 2 - A2

Unit 3: Ideologies
- Liberalism
- Socialism
- Conservatism
- Facism

Unit 4: The government of the USA
- The constitutional framework of US government
- The legislative branch of government: US congress
- The executive branch of government
- The judicial branch of government: The Supreme Court

End Qualification:

Year 1: AS Level Government and Politics
Year 2: A2 Level Government and Politics

Entry Requirements:

Interview required

5 GCSEs at grade C or above.

* Any variations to subject-specific entry requirements will be discussed with individuals at interview.

Assessment:

Each of the units is assessed by an hour and a half examination at the end of the programme of study. There is no coursework to complete for either the AS or A2 courses.

Progression from this course:

Government and politics is a versatile subject which fits in with any other A-level choices. Many students who chose government and politics also chose courses in history, geography, archaeology, physiology, economics, business studies, sociology, philosophy, religious education, maths and English.
A government and politics course will not only boost your knowledge and understanding of various aspects of politics, it will also give you the tools to analyse and evaluate situations. You will develop your communication skills and ability to construct coherent arguments. These skills can be used in a wide variety of potential further education and career routes.

Location:

Isle Campus - PE13 2JE

Duration:

2 Years

Start times:

September 2013

How to Apply:

Please apply directly to Thomas Clarkson Academy using UCAS Apply

Course Costs:

All students on full-time courses will need to pay a materials/resources fee. Details will be provided before enrolment. If you are under 19 on 31st August in the year you begin your programme, you will not have to pay tuition or registration fees for your course. For students aged 19 or over, there will be a tuition fee (depends on the course) for each year of the course as well as a registration fee (which includes exam fees). However, many students will be eligible for reduced fees and / or financial support towards the costs. Click here for detailed information. Please contact Student Services if you have further queries.

Recommended purchase of two quality textbooks (one for AS, one for A2). Approx £25 each. A reading list will be provided upon commencement of the programme.

Additional Information:

Contact Student Services: King's Lynn - 01553 761144 Isle (Wisbech) - 01945 582561 A level courses in Wisbech are run and delivered in partnership with Thomas Clarkson Community College.