AS Level Government and Politics

What do we study?
Politics is a subject in which you are expected to take an interest in, and to be critical about, the way in which this country is run, and more broadly the world around you. We study issues concerned with who really has power in the UK, and about how the system could be improved. In the A2 course we study ideologies such socialism, liberalism, conservatism, and anarchism, to come to conclusions about what an ideal society would look like - or perhaps to come to the conclusion that an ideal society is an unrealistic fantasy.

Specific questions we will be seeking to answer in the AS course include: Is the UK truly democratic? Why have political parties? Are there any major differences between David Cameron and Gordon Brown? Is it a problem that we have governments that most of us never voted for, and if so, what should we do about it? Are decisions sometimes made according to “who shouts loudest”? Does parliament run the country? Should it? Is the prime minister like an elected monarch? Are our civil rights protected?

What it’s like studying politics?
Everyone has political opinions: the difference is that, on this course, you are expected to form well-informed and considered opinions, which many people don’t have! This means that many lessons are discussion based. The course is delivered on the principle that students learn best when they are interested, we aim to make what we do both varied and relevant.

What’s it like studying Media Studies?
I use a variety of teaching and learning methods in my classes, including group work, class discussions, mind mapping and interactive lectures. Film and television screenings also play a central role, alongside practical video and editing tasks which allow you to get involved with the creative side of the subject.

Typical essay questions in the exam:
“Has the Conservative Party abandoned Thatcherism?”

Student Voice:
“It gives you a chance to speak your mind, and a sense about the world.” Chloe Ahluwalia “It’s interesting but you have to work hard at the same time. Yeah, I like it!” Ali Guven

Teachers
Rick Brown teaches the AS level, and Jamie Duff A2: both have more than 5 years experience teaching politics, and have been very success- ful in terms of the results that their students have achieved (last year B6 politics students were in the top 1% nationwide in terms of their value-added performance) – they also hope they have been successful in inspiring interest in the subject!

Recommended reading and viewing:
The news! Particularly newspapers and TV programmes which look at the deeper issues behind what is happening day to day.

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