Government & Politics
A level Government and Politics equips you with a broad range of valuable skills, including critical analysis, coherent writing, research, and the ability to form well-reasoned opinions. These skills are highly sought after by both universities and employers.
Why study Government & Politics?
The subject pairs well with various A level courses, allowing you to pursue degrees in the Arts or Sciences. With a qualification in Government and Politics, you can explore diverse career paths in fields such as law, media, journalism, public service, and management, making it a versatile and enriching subject for your future.
What skills do you develop?
- Critical analysis
- Understanding of political systems
- Ability to form arguments
- Essay writing
- Debate
- Understanding current affairs
- Policies
- Public or Comparative politics
What careers can you pursue?
- Law
- Public Policy
- Civil Service
- Journalism
- International Relations
- Political Consultancy
- NGOs
- Roles requiring strong arguments & communication
AS & A level components
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Year 12
This year will focus primarily on UK Government and Politics. We will cover the content for Unit 1 and 2, including topics like:
- Participation and Voting Behaviour
- Electoral Systems
- Political Parties
- The British Constitution
- Parliament
- The Prime Minister
In the Summer Term we will cover Unit 3: Political Concepts and Theories, covering Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Nationalism.
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Year 13 will focus mainly on covering Unit 4: The Government and Politics of the USA.
The following topics will be covered in Year 13:
- The Electoral Process
- Political Parties
- Voting Behaviour
- The President
- The Constitution
- The Supreme Court
- Congress
Subject FAQ’s
Which examination board?
WJEC
Does the AS count towards the A level or is it a standalone qualification?
The AS counts towards the A level. All students will sit the AS at the end of Year 12.
How will you be assessed?
Unit 1: Government in Wales and the UK (50% of AS)
Assessment:
- Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
- A mixture of structured and extended response questions
- 80 marks
Unit 2: Living and Participating in a Democracy (50% of AS)
Assessment:
- Written paper: 1 hour 30 minutes
- A mixture of structured and extended response questions
- 80 marks
A Level
A2 Unit 3: Political Concepts and Theories
Assessment:
- Written paper: 2 hours 30 minutes
- A mixture of essay questions
- 120 marks
A2 Unit 4: The Government and Politics of the USA
Assessment:
- Written paper: 2 hours 30 minutes
- A mixture of essay questions
- 120 marks
