top of page

POLITICS

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

What does the course involve:

To study Government and Politics you should have a lively and inquisitive mind with an interest in political current affairs. With an emphasis placed firmly upon current events, you will explore developments in the way politics affects all of our lives. The course is 100% examined; the three examinations are taken at the end of Year 13.

Politics.png

FOR STUDENTS 

INTERESTED IN:

  • Gaining a better understanding of the society in which we live

  • Changing the world for the better through persuasion

  • Debating and discussing political issues of national and international relevance

  • Current affairs

Component 1: People & Politics

This unit covers the nature of politics, examining the ways in which people engage in the political processes in the UK. Students will investigate in detail how people and politics interact. From voting in elections and/or referendums, to the work and policy ideas of political parties and of pressure groups, the relationship between people and the state is explored. The ways in which democracy has been and may be further enhanced are debated, such as lowering the voting age to 16. Students will also investigate the role of media in contemporary politics. The ideas of conservatism, liberalism and socialism are explored and students will learn about core ideology, ideas and key thinkers.

Component 2: Governing the UK

This unit investigates the way in which the institutions of the British political state operate. Students will learn about where, how and by whom political decisions are made. This component provides an introduction to the set of rules governing politics in the UK (the constitution) and the major branches of UK government - the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The component explores how the constitution has changed in recent years (including the impact of ‘Brexit’) and where power lies in the UK. Students will also be able to compare the British system to other political systems. In this component we explore the ideas of anarchism, and its key thinkers and beliefs.

Component 3: Comparative Politics (The Government and Politics of the USA)

Is the USA really a ‘beacon of democracy’? This component will give students a thorough understanding of the nature of US Democracy through an exploration of the US Constitution, and how it influences politics in America. They will learn about the institutions of government in the USA and will analyse how individuals gain and exercise power. The component covers US parties and pressure groups, the presidency, Congress and the Judiciary. Students will explore similarities and differences between UK and US institutions, political parties, rights and legal frameworks, through the study of comparative politics.

POSSIBLE 

CAREER PATHS:

  • Politics

  • Diplomacy

  • International Relations

  • Law

  • Education

  • Media

  • Business

Ballakermeen High School 2025. Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page