"Politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians", Charles de Gaulle

The aim of this course is to explore political concepts central to an understanding of the modern world. Students will develop an in-depth knowledge of the UK and US political systems, whilst also developing their capacity for critical thinking, and ability to analyse relationships between different aspects of government and politics. Students are considerate of others' views and teachers help to guide conversations to ensure that all viewpoints are covered. Cultural capital is also nurtured throughout the course allowing students to become well rounded, dedicated & analytical citizens of the world. 

The Department

Curriculum Leader: Miss R Cardani  

A Level                                                                                                                            

Exam Board: Edexcel                                                                                                                                                                      Specification Number: 9PL0

Course Content
Component 1: UK Politics (9PLO/ 01)

UK Politics

• Democracy and Participation
• Political Parties
• Electoral systems
• Voting behaviour and the media

Core Political Ideas

• Liberalism
• Conservatism
• Socialism

Component 2: UK Government (9PLO/ 02)

UK Government

• The Constitution
• Parliament
• Prime Minister and Executive
• Relationships between the branches

Non-core Political Ideas:

• Feminism

• The US Constitution and Federalism
• US Congress
• US Presidency
• US Supreme Court and US civil rights
• US democracy and participation
• Comparative theories

Assessment:

100% examination consisting of three exams each worth 33.3% of the qualification.

The Politics course is designed to stretch and challenge all learners, whilst also being adaptive and flexible in approach to ensure that all students can make progress. Lessons are characterised by a variety of approaches, including blended learning, debate and discussion, visual material and frequent reference to contemporary politics.  It is imperative that students regularly keep on top of the news and are ready to make links between current affairs and the A Level specification.  Students are supported throughout their learning journey and can always make appointments to talk to their teacher outside of the class time. 

Students will be expected to work in pairs or small groups to produce assignments and presentations, as well as complete essay writing and take part in political debates. Essay questions are featured in all exams. There are 3 2-hour exams at the end of the two-year course.

Why Government & Politics at St Albans Girls’ School? :

• Strong exam results and teachers who are passionate about the subject.  
• Regular speakers who visit the school and trips to visit Parliament, Politicians and the Supreme Court.  
• Excellent resources like Pre-Chewed Politics that students can use to access the subject knowledge required.  
• Every two years the department also runs a USA trip to Washington, Philadelphia and New York. This allows students to get deeply involved in American culture and politics.

Politics is exciting because people disagree. Debate and disagreement lie at the heart of politics. Politics is not a subject of absolute ‘rights’ or absolute ‘wrongs’. The challenge of politics is to develop your own views and opinions in the light of the information available to you.

 

Expectations of students:

Politics is a ‘live subject’ and it is essential that Politics students keep up-to-date with current affairs. Students will be expected to read quality newspapers and watch TV programmes with current affairs content. Reading around the subject is crucial. Students will be expected to develop their discussion skills, their listening skills and their writing skills.

What websites are recommended?

www.prechewedpolitics.co.uk – a password is shared with students in September.
Any news websites and political pages, that provide up-to-date information.
The students are also signposted to a range of different podcasts to extend their political literacy.

Career Paths:

Studying Politics provides you with skills recognised and valued by employers and universities, This course will prepare students for university courses in a range of social sciences, for example politics, sociology and economics. Politics also provides an excellent basis for a range of different jobs including politics, law, journalism and business, amongst others.