Politics Intent
The Politics department was established in 2011 when a politically enthusiastic group of Year 11 student’s requested for the subject to be offered at A-level. With healthy class numbers and an increased profile of the subject through whole-school assemblies, it couldn’t be a better time to study Politics at Chellaston!
A-Level Politics
There has never been a more interesting time to study Politics. In 2010 the UK saw the first peace time Coalition Government since World War II in Britain. In May 2015 the Conservatives stormed to a surprise victory and majority government. The ever present big debate over how to solve the current government deficit, global conflicts, and the immigration /EU membership political stories dominate the news headlines on a daily basis. The first unit of A-Level Politics will enable you to gain a deep understanding of how politics in the UK operates. In the second unit, the focus will be shifted onto US Politics, as you assess the current Trump Administration and the constitutional differences with the UK.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered through mainly classroom based learning but through varied teaching activities.
There will also be opportunities to get involved in political trips to further enhance your understanding of the course.
Is this course for me?
If you care about how your country is run, how you can afford to live, how much tax you pay as you begin to work then yes!
The Government & Politics A-Level Course will encourage students to:
• Develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationship between political ideas, institutions and processes
• Acquire knowledge and understanding of the structures of authority and power within the political system of the United Kingdom, and how these may differ from those of other political systems
• Acquire knowledge and informed understanding of the rights and responsibilities of the individual and encourage an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics.
What will I study?
Paper 1 – Government & Politics of the UK
• Ten sub topics that are:
• British Constitution, Parliament, The Prime Minister & the Cabinet, the Judiciary, Devolution, Democracy, elections and referendums, Political parties, Pressure groups and the EU.
Paper 2 – Government & politics of the USA
• The US Constitution, Congress, The President, The Supreme Court, the electoral process and direct democracy, US Political Parties, Pressure groups and civil rights.
Paper 3 – Political ideas
• We examine the four following ideologies:
• Liberalism
• Socialism
• Conservatism
• Feminism
What will I need?
You will need to purchase a text book and provide a file to keep your work organised.
Assessment
You will sit three exams during the at the end of year 13.
These exams are all 2 hours long and have equl marking (33.3%)
Careers
The A-Level Politics course is an ideal complement to those who also wish to do History, Philosophy and Ethics (RE), Sociology, Economics and Psychology at A level. This A level gives an excellent foundation to those who wish to pursue Politics, Law, Economics, Philosophy or History to degree level and those who wish to make their careers in the legal, journalistic, political or business worlds.
Students of Politics are excellent analysts and have a good ability to weigh up arguments, which is why graduates are highly sought after in a variety of sectors such as the civil service, political research, private firms, law, accountancy, journalism and banking.
If you require any further information, please contact the Head of Subject via the link on our Contact Us page.
