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Government and Politics
Exam Board: Edexcel Politics Syllabus: A-level: 9PL0 Consult: Mr Townend
WHY STUDY THE SUBJECT? Studying Politics is always exciting and never dull. It is probably the only subject where the textbook is out of date the moment it is published! You will start by having the chance to develop a greater understanding of how politics affects us here in the UK from the voting system to the powers of the Prime Minister. Your work in lessons will be supported by a visit to the Houses of Parliament and speakers’ events throughout the year. UK politics is also analysed through a study of its similarities and differences with the US system. We will discuss questions such as: Is the President actually weaker than our Prime Minister? Does America face a voting crisis? You will also study the big overarching Ideologies of politics – Liberalism, Socialism, Conservatism and Feminism – when you will be expected to debate and discuss the best way to run a country.
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There has never been a more exciting time to study politics. The rise of Trump, Brexit negotiations, Votes at 16. If you take an interest in these events, then you will find every politics lesson broadens and develops your critical powers, interest in global events and understanding of power.
CONTENT AND BREAKDOWN Year 12 Content: • UK Government • UK Politics
Year 13 Content: • Political Ideologies • US Government and Politics ASSESSMENT At A-level there are 3 examinations, each worth 33.3%.
EXTRACURRICULAR There will be trips to the Houses of Parliament, Speaker Conferences and the possibility of a trip to Washington DC.
AFTER ASHCOMBE Politics is an excellent subject to study if you are interested in a career involving people. Careers include the Civil Service, central and local government, the media, business and finance, law and education. It complements many other Humanities subjects and provides a grounding in the fundamentals of the UK and US political system. It also increases critical reading of sources, something valuable in many Science professions. Politics students have gone on to take Politics as single and joint Honours Degrees, as well as International Relations courses.
