AS/A2 Level 2013 Entry
Government & Politics • •
1987-2012
25 Years ofininspiring An exciting subject which relates to current issues the media individuals Builds your political knowledge and develops your critical evaluation skills
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Annual trips to London and the USA plus visits from guest speakers
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Caters for all learning styles with up-to-date teaching methods and resources
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Excellent support including regular tutorials
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The study of politics is very useful for a number of careers and is a well established subject at the UK’s most prestigious universities
1987-2012 25 Years of inspiring individuals
David’s Perspective Carmel is a fantastic college for many reasons but one of the finest is that it gives room for students to grow and to develop their own opinions on issues which surround their chosen subjects while, of course, having excellent teaching. I particularly enjoy studying Politics as it gives one a new window through which to see and understand the workings of our nation, how it is run, and even how we might run it better. I also enjoy studying this subject as I am fascinated by politics and the change that can be brought by a group of determined individuals with the support of the people. This subject has also fuelled my desire to go into politics and given me the tools to be able to see the strengths and weaknesses of government and be able to see how to bring change and reform to this great country.
AS/A2 Government and Politics Exam Board AQA What will I study? You will study the following modules at AS Level: Unit 1 - People, Politics and Participation (Sept - Dec) This includes the following four areas of study: Political Participation and Voting Behaviour; Electoral Systems; Political Parties; Pressure Groups and Protest Movements. Unit 2 - Governing Modern Britain (Jan - May) This Unit includes the following four areas of study: The British Constitution; Parliament; The Core Executive (Government); Multi-level Governance (including Devolution and the European Union). In year 1 (Lower 6th) the focus is very much on the UK and our political system, but we will also do some work on political philosophy and the origins of Western liberal democracy too. Students are also introduced to politics in the wider political and social context, within which we explore the effect of social class, gender, ethnicity etc on the political system. The building of basic political knowledge is the main objective of this year, and we will also make a start on acquiring important critical evaluation skills too. Europe and the development of the European Union is also given some attention too as the UK is an
important member of this political institution. At A2 Level (Upper 6th), you will progress to the following units: Unit 3a – The Politics of the USA The four areas of study include: The US Electoral Process and Direct Democracy; Political Parties; Voting Behaviour; Pressure Groups. Unit 4a – The Government of the USA In this unit the four areas are: The Constitutional Framework of US Government; The Legislative Branch of Government - US Congress; The Executive Branch of Government - The Office of President; The Judicial Branch of Government - The Supreme Court. In year 2 (Upper 6th) the emphasis is still on acquiring political knowledge, but equal emphasis is now devoted to the development of more sophisticated critical evaluation skills. Our studies will have a more international flavour, with obvious emphasis on the USA and our “special relationship” with them. We also explore the synoptic relationship between the US and UK forms of government.
A visit from Lord Storey
How will I be assessed? You will sit two exams per year – one in January and one in the summer. In both years the exams are one and a half hours duration each and have equal weighting. David Boulton Christian Fellowship School Studying: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, History
Meet the Tutors Mike McLoughlin MA Head of Department and AQA Examiner for Government and Politics
You will be marked regularly on mostly written assignments and given a progress grade with which you will be able to monitor yourself. This will be reviewed on a regular basis between you and your tutor. As an individual student you are only judged against your individual minimum expected grade (MEG) and this determines your rate of progress on the course. What will this course prepare me for? The AS course will prepare you for continued study to A2 Level and from this level to university degree study and various possible career pathways thereafter. The study of politics is very useful for a number of careers and is a well established subject at our most prestigious universities in the UK.
Faye’s Perspective How will I be taught? The teaching and learning that occurs in the classroom (and full attendance is an absolute necessity to gain maximum advantage) is very wide-ranging and consists of PowerPoint presentations, handouts, exam question practice, group quizzes, watching relevant DVDs, student presentations, the analysis of quality newspaper stories, internet site usage and research activities, discussion and debates, and textbook based activities. Students will also be issued with a textbook for home study and homework purposes. In addition you will have all of the facilities available to you in our Library, which includes additional textbooks, use of computers for politics websites, political journals, DVDs, and quality newspapers.
selected TV programmes about politics is an absolute necessity to keep abreast of contemporary political issues, for example ‘Sunday Politics’ on BBC1. There will also be plenty of opportunity to research your own particular political interests and issues, and to present your findings to the class initiating discussion and debate too! Friday lunchtimes are devoted to the department’s weekly debates, as chosen by the students.
I love all the new people I’ve met at Carmel College. Government and Politics is very interesting when hearing everyone’s views on current issues. We have guest speakers to visit us and trips to London (Parliament) and other places. Politics has opened my eyes to everything going on around us and how politics affects everything in everyday life. When I leave Carmel I want to study Politics and Modern History at university as that is my passion.
The annual trip to London in the first year is a great opportunity for you to visit Parliament and the US Embassy. As we also study US Politics, in the second year there is the possibility of a trip to Washington DC and other East Coast cities.
Indeed the nature of this topic is such that ‘compulsory’ viewing of
Faye Sharpe Brychall High School Studying: History, Politics, Law, English Literature
The 2010 USA visit took in Boston, New York, Washington and Philadelphia
What is the department like? Government & Politics works very closely with all Social Sciences departments. We have access to computers and all rooms are equipped with multi-media projectors and interactive white boards. Course textbooks are complemented by our own college library and their numerous politics texts too. The department has an innovative and dynamic approach, which will promote the pursuit of excellence in all of the teaching and learning elements of the course. The department also actively attempts to cater for all learning styles with up-to-date teaching methods and resources. Finally, the department will encourage a healthy sense of humour in its work too, with the odd touch of satire!
Students had a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament during their trip to London
What support will I receive?
Tori’s Perspective As a Labour Party activist in Liverpool, studying Government and Politics was not a hard decision to make! Politics at Carmel provides more than just what you need to pass your AS Levels. Mike, the tutor encourages lively (very lively!) and honest debate, providing really good challenges for his students and makes politics enjoyable and relevant. If you like a good debate, then Politics is definitely for you! Studying at Carmel encourages young adults to think for themselves within the ethos and principles of the college. I have met lots of interesting people at Carmel which has broadened my horizons, understanding of others’ views and has certainly contributed to my determination to support equality and diversity across the student population. Carmel students are encouraged to work hard and succeed in their chosen subjects via a supportive teaching staff. After leaving Carmel, I intend to study Politics and Philosophy but I’m not sure where yet!
There will be the opportunity to book regular support/extension tutorials, with email back up and regular communication with your tutor. You will also be encouraged to actively develop and contribute to the development of course materials and resources. There will also be relevant DVDs for you to watch on your own or with fellow students as part of your wider study and research commitments.
You will be guided to relevant websites and encouraged to discover additional ones too! The information and materials on politics continues to grow at an amazing rate. What are the entry requirements for AS Government and Politics? You will need GCSE grade B in English Language (grade C will be considered if there are sufficient places) plus a GCSE grade B in one other essay based subject.
Outside the White House, Washington DC
How successful are Carmel’s Government and Politics students? A* - B A* - C
Overall Pass Rate
2010
AS A2
35% 63%
55% 83%
98% 100%
2011
AS A2
32% 52%
46% 76%
100% 100%
2012
AS A2
27% 44%
39% 69%
88% 100%
What other opportunities will the study of Government and Politics offer me?
Tori Rigby St John Bosco Arts College Studying: Government and Politics, Philosophy and Religion, Economics, History
More Information You can find further information on the AQA Exam Board website: www.aqa.org.uk Another useful resource: www.bbc.co.uk/politics
We invite visiting speakers into the classroom to talk with students. These visitors include Local MP Dave Watts, European MPs, Officers from the local council, and even ex-Government Minister, Andy Burnham who visited us recently. In addition, there is an annual trip to London including a guided tour of Parliament. There is also a trip to the USA to visit Washington DC, Philadelphia and New York City, which fits in really well with the second year and the study of US politics. The 2010 trip was extended to include Boston. In addition, there are local trips to the Slavery Museum in Liverpool, and to relevant lectures at the Philharmonic Hall and Edge Hill University. As part of the Enrichment Programme, students can get involved in the Mock United Nations General Assembly (MUNGA) which takes place at Liverpool Town Hall every November. Finally, students are also encouraged to take an interest in Carmel’s Student Council body, which is elected on an annual basis and works on behalf of all the students at Carmel.