Politics
Barclay Academy - Hertfordshire
01438 748459
Walkern Road, Stevenage, SG1 3RB
Course summary

The study of Politics will change your understanding of the UK forever. You will not only learn about the fantastic benefits of the UK democracy – but also become aware of the deep flaws that penetrate into the heart of government. You will keep up to date with the news and find out about policy issues that affect everyday life. There is no prior requirement for study of Politics at GCSE. First year students develop a knowledge and understanding of the British political system. Part 1: UK Politics: This includes in-depth studies of referendums; MPs and their parties; competing ideologies in the UK and their histories; how we elect our governments and what the alternates should be; pressure groups and whether our democratic system is being undermined by big business, voting behaviours and the media. Part 2: UK Government: This includes learning about the inner workings of parliament; the history of the UK constitution and the problem with us not actually having a written one; the role of the Prime Minister and their cabinet. In the second year, you will study US Comparative Politics. This includes looking at the nature of US democracy - and the debates surrounding it - comparing and contrasting politics and institutions in the US with those in the UK.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and 5 in English

How you'll be assessed

Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas: Liberalism, Conservatism and Socialism: Written examination, 2 hours, 84 marks, 33% Content Overview: 1. Political Participation, students will study: democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media. 2. Core Political Ideas, students will study: conservatism, liberalism, socialism. Component 2: UK Government and Non-Core Political Ideas: Anarchism; Written examination, 2hours, 84 marks, 33% Content Overview: 1. UK Government, students will study: the constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between branches. 2. Optional Political Ideas, students will study one idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism. Component 3: Politics of the USA: Written examination, 2 hours, 84 marks, 33% Content Overview: The US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court and US civil rights, US democracy and participation, Comparative theories.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast of England
Local AuthorityHertfordshire
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender Type
AddressWalkern Road, Stevenage, SG1 3RB