Exam Board: EDEXCEL
Course Outline
Over the two year course, students acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of both the UK and the US political systems, key political ideas as well as the aims and workings of the European Union (especially within the UK context). Students also develop analytical, debating and essay writing skills. They are encouraged to approach each topic with an open mind and to examine contemporary issues from more than one viewpoint. In Year 12, students study two modules including an in-depth study of the UK political system, its workings and participation within it. They also examine political ideas such as liberalism, conservatism and socialism, along with an in-depth study of the European Union.
In Year 13, students study two modules including an in-depth study of the US political system and how it works, together with a detailed examination of modern ideologies such as feminism.
Assessment and Examinations
This course is 100% examined. There are three two-hour examinations at the end of Year 13.
Future Prospects
An A-level in Government & Politics is a respected qualification by universities and other Higher Education institutions. It opens up many pathways for future study, in particular within the Humanities and Social Sciences. Obtaining a high grade at A-level demonstrates that the student has excelled at a particular skill set that will serve them well at degree level. In recent years, former Government & Politics students from CoLAHG have gone on to study a wide variety of subjects at university including: History, Politics Philosophy & Economics, English Literature, Sociology, Business Studies, Economics, Spanish & Politics, and Cultural Studies.