Examination Board: EDEXCEL

AS Code: 8060 A2 Code: 9060

Department members:
Mrs Sandy Willis (Head of Department)
Mrs Diana Gillespie

	To develop a critical awareness of the nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes.
	To understand the structures of authority and power within the political system of the UK, and how these may differ from other political systems.
	To understand the rights and responsibilities of individuals, and to prepare citizens for active participation in society.
	To develop personal effectiveness through a critical awareness of political events and issues, and the skills required to argue a case with relevance and coherence.
	To gain a clear understanding of the theories, motives and values that underpin political processes and governmental decision-making and the role of institutions in resolving conflicts and allocating scarce resources.

Prior Level of Attainment:
It is not necessary to have any previous knowledge of politics to embark upon this course at either AS or A2 level.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

	enjoy debating politics and current affairs generally;
	have a keen appreciation of the need to participate in the decision making process;
	like doing a subject which affects their everyday lives;
	like doing a subject that offers the opportunity to progress to a career in politics /media/business/law and economics;
	want to keep their options open. Politics can be a useful subject for a range of combinations at the next level of education and a wide choice of careers after that.

Unit 1 - People and Politics

Weighting: AS level: 16.67% ; A-level 33.34%
This Unit introduces students to the study of politics by looking at the central ideas of citizenship, democracy and participation, and by examining the representative processes in the UK. Topics include, for example, what the various political parties stand for and how they have evolved, whether the election system is democratic, what makes successful pressure groups, and whether the UK is in danger of breaking up.
Assessment: an exam lasting one hour, consisting of two structured questions from a choice of four.

Unit 2 - Governing the UK

Weighting: AS level: 16.67% ; A-level 33.34%
This Unit provides an introduction to the major institutions of UK government, examines their relationships with one another and considers their effectiveness. Topics include, for example, how powerful the prime minister has become, whether judges have been undermined, how the House of Lords should be reformed.
Assessment: an exam lasting one hour, consisting of two structured questions from a choice of four.

Unit 3 - The changing UK system

Weighting: AS level: 16.67% ; A-level 33.34%
This Unit examines key issues affecting the development of the UK system and considers the impact and desirability of political and constitutional change. Its content is taken from and develops Units 1 and 2 and focuses more on data and source material. Areas of special attention are the devolution issue, the impact of the EU on political parties and the reform of British traditions like the electoral system, the House of Lords and the Constitution.
Assessment: an exam lasting one hour, consisting of one stimulus question from a choice of two.

Please note: from September 2008, the AS specification will change slightly to include more on Europe and the impact of the EU on British political parties and people and democratic processes.

Course Content Summary - A2 level

Unit 6A – Policy-making in the UK
This synoptic unit examines the interplay between policy issues and institutions, and draws together knowledge and understanding developed in the AS and in Units 4A and 5A. For example, synoptic essay questions combine topics like devolution and Ireland, political parties and Europe, government anti-terror-legislation and the judiciary.

Please note: from September 2008 the A2 specification will also include topics on the environmental movements and on women’s rights, and will also more greatly emphasise the EU and the international scene, including British foreign policy.

Additional Activities:

	Three-day combined visit with Economics and Business Studies students to Paris conference on EU issues and the EU’s relationship with the developing world. It includes a tour round Paris.
	Sixth Form Westminster conference where topical politicians make their pitch on current issues and answer students’ questions. Speakers have included George Galloway, Charles Kennedy, Tony Benn etc.
	A day in Coventry Courts to see trial processes in action and discuss the law and careers in law with district judges.
	Visiting speakers when applicable and available.
	Pupils are also encouraged to independently investigate websites as much as possible and use a variety of media sources of information and analysis.

top of page