Level: AS and A2 level

Awarding Body: Edexcel

The AS level modules includes:
Module 1 Electoral Systems and Voting Behaviour
Module 2 Parties and Pressure Groups
Module 3 Features of a Representative Democracy

The AS may be awarded as a discrete qualification or count as 50% of the A2.

The AS level modules includes:
Module 4 Comparative UK/USA Governments
Module 5 The Politics of the USA
Module 6 Government and Politics: Synoptic Module

Student Information Sheet

Download the Governement and Politics student information sheet here.

Course Description

Aim

• AS and A level Government and Politics gives students the knowledge and understanding of how the political systems work in the United Kingdom and the United States.
• The course examines issues surrounding decision making (including legislature procedures) executives and judiciaries in the two countries.
• The role of pressure groups, political parties and elected representatives are covered in relation to the United Kingdom and United States.
• Most of the discussions and course assignments focus on a comparison of the difference between the workings of the two political systems.

Relevance

• AS and A2 level Government and Politics provides answers into how policy evolves, how individuals can influence this process, and how representative the political system really is giving students an educated insight into their place in the political system.
• The discussions and content covered in the course provide students with information and an understanding of current affairs across the world.
• This course gives an invaluable advantage for students pursuing careers in journalism, the police, the armed forces, central and local government, law, and the media.
• A2 level Government and Politics is an excellent foundation for further study at higher education in this subject and related subjects, e.g. History, Economics, Sociology.

Assessment

AS level: three written examinations.
A2 level: three written examinations.

Informal assessment is continuous throughout AS and A2 by regular marked assignments set by the tutor.

Entry Requirements

GCSE mean score of 5.5 including English at grade C or above.

Testamonials

Student Comments
"Video conferencing has provided me with an excellent opportunity to take a subject at A level that would otherwise have not been available at my school.the element of independent study means that I can work at my own pace something that I feel is a great advantage! The style of teaching is much as I would imagine a lesson with a private tutor to be, and the course is engaging enough to hold my interest."
Conor Healy, Upper Sixth/Year 13, St Andrew's Catholic School