Government & Politics

5 GCSE grades 9* to 4

Component 1 – UK Politics:

1. Political Participation:

• democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.

2. Core Political Ideas:

• conservatism, liberalism, socialism.

Component 2 – Governing the UK:

1. UK Government:

• the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.

2. Optional Political Ideas:

• one idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.

Component 3 – Comparative Politics:

For USA (3A):

• the US Constitution and federalism, US congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court, democracy and participation, civil rights.

OR

For Global (3B):

• theories of Global Politics, sovereignty and globalisation, global governance: political and economic, global governance: human rights and environmental, power and developments, regionalism and the European Union.

All components are assessed by Examination.

As a replacement for PSHCE in Key Stage 5, Government and Politics offers students a chance to engage with the political world both at home and abroad. Many of the concepts and theories as well as the knowledge will help students to consider factors that will affect them as they move into University and beyond as well as preparing them for their own role in elections and other political acts that we as citizens undertake.

All students will be expected to engage in discussions in lessons and the ability to write critically about political institutions. In order to do this successfully students will need to regularly keep up to date with national and international news.

This course will be useful for those who seek careers in politics such as politicians, advisors, civil service or those who want to work in journalism, teaching or for a political institution.

An application form can be obtained from the Head of Sixth From h.potter@samuelryderacademy.co.uk . Once your application has been processed you will be invited to discuss your subject choices with the Head of Sixth Form.