Boy and girl government politics

Government and Politics

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Learn more about Government and Politics

Why study this subject?

Students with AS and A Level Government and Politics will have developed a wide range of skills. You will be able to analyse and evaluate, research, write coherently and form opinions, amongst other skills. These skills are welcomed by higher education establishments and by employers. Government and Politics combines well with many subjects at A Level and different combinations would make it possible to go on to read either Arts or Science degrees. A variety of employment opportunities are open to students with qualifications in Government and Politics, such as law, the media, journalism and management.

Which Examination Board?

WJEC

Does the AS count towards the A Level or is it a standalone qualification?

The AS counts towards the A Level. All students will sit the AS at the end of Year 12.

How will you be assessed?

AS

Unit 1: 50% of AS

Government in Wales and the UK
Written paper (1 hour 30 minutes)
80 marks
A mixture of structured and extended response questions.
 

Unit 2: 50% of AS

Living and participating in a democracy
Written paper (1 hour 30 minutes)
80 marks
A mixture of structured and extended response questions.

 

A Level

A2 Unit 3: Political concepts and theories
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
120 marks
A mixture of structured questions and extended response questions.
 

A2 Unit 4: Government and politics of the USA
Written examination: 2 hours 30 minutes
120 marks

A mixture of structured questions and extended response questions.

What is the outline content over 2 years?

Year 12

This year will focus primarily on UK Politics and Government. We will cover the content for Unit 1 and 2, including topics like:

  • Participation and Voting Behaviour
  • Electoral Systems
  • Political Parties
  • The British Constitution
  • Parliament
  • The Prime Minister

In the Summer Term we will cover Unit 3 political concepts, covering topics like Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism.

Year 13

Year 13 will focus mainly on covering Unit 4: The Government and Politics of the USA.

The following topics will be covered in Year 13:

  • The Electoral Process
  • Political Parties
  • Voting Behaviour
  • The President
  • The Constitution
  • The Supreme Court
  • Congress