Overview
At AS and A2 the course is divided into 4 examined topics and a controlled assessment. Government and Politics is a new subject offered at Morriston School. Year 12 focuses on British Politics and Year 13 focuses on American Politics and Political Ideologies. You do not need any prior knowledge or understanding of politics, or to have studied specific subjects at GCSE to study Politics at A-Level.
Entry Requirements
There is no specific entry requirement to do A- level Politics, but you need 5 A*-C or equivalent GCSE’s. Students will also have a willingness to develop certain skills:
- knowledge and understanding of contemporary political structures and issues within Wales and United Kingdom and broader global political structures and issues
- knowledge and understanding of the influences and interests which have an impact on decisions in government and politics
- an awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes
- the ability to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments and make judgments
- an interest in, and engagement with, contemporary politics.
Course Overview
This specification is divided into a total of four units, two AS units and two A2 units. Weightings noted below are expressed in terms of the full A-Level qualification.
AS UNIT 1- Government in Wales and the United Kingdom (20%)
Unit 1 serves as an introduction to how Wales and the UK is governed today. Through the study of the Constitution; Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru) and Parliament; Welsh and UK Government; The Supreme Court and the EU.
AS UNIT 2- Living and participating in a democracy (20%)
Unit 2 is an introduction to the concept of active citizenship; the rights and responsibilities of citizens, some of the ways in which citizens can participate in a democracy.
A LEVEL
AS UNIT 3- Political concepts and theories (30%)
Unit 3 involves the study of political theories and their application. Learners will develop a critical knowledge and understanding of a range of ideological traditions: liberalism, conservatism, socialism, communism and nationalism.
A2 UNIT 4- Government and politics of the USA (30%)
This unit introduces learners to the government and politics of the USA through an examination of three related themes: democracy in America, governance and participation. Learners will analyse critically the ideas and institutions that underpin the American political system.
Progression
Many students who study Government and Politics at A Level progress to study Politics, History, Law, Sociology, International Relations, or Criminology at Degree Level. Government and Politics at A Level is an academic qualification which is well respected by universities and employers alike and can lead on to numerous job opportunities.