Welcome to A Level Government and Politics By the end of this course you will: Learn how and why people participate politically in Britain. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of our political systems. Be able to explain the roles of the different institutions that govern our country.

Government and Politics A Level: Course content You will study... Overview In Year 12 People, Politics and Participation Governing modern Britain In Year 13 The Politics of the USA The Government of the USA

Unit 1: People, Politics and Participation Participation and Voting Behaviour Electoral Systems Political Parties Pressure Groups and Protest Movements Please see above logos for all other exam boards to personalise for your course

Unit 1: People, Politics and Participation Participation and Voting Behaviour What are the different forms of political participation? What factors influence a person’s participation? Why do some people not participate? What trends are there in voting behaviour? What role does the media play? Electoral Systems How do elections work? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the electoral systems in UK? What other types of electoral systems are there? What is a referendum? Should we use more of these in UK? Political Parties What are the major political parties? What are their defining ideologies? How do political parties work in our system? How are leaders selected? How does membership work? How do they campaign? Why are minority parties important? Pressure Groups and Protest Movements What are pressure groups? Why are they important? What makes some more influential than others? What is lobbying? Do pressure groups strengthen or weaken a democracy? Please see above logos for all other exam boards to personalise for your course

Unit 2: Governing Modern Britain The British Constitution Parliament The Core Executive Multi-Level Governance Please see above logos for all other exam boards to personalise for your course

Unit 2: Governing Modern Britain The British Constitution What is the British Constitution? How far does the Constitution influence or limit the power of government? Where is judicial power located? How does the judiciary relate to the legislative and executive? The Human Rights Act and European Court of Human Rights Parliament What is Parliament made up of? What are the main purposes of Parliament? How is the government held to account? How does influence vary from frontbenchers to backbenchers? What are whips? The Core Executive What is the role of the Prime Minister? What limitations are there on his/her power? How does the Cabinet work? Is it better to have a Prime Minister or President? How is policy decided? How is policy implemented through the Civil Service? Multi-Level Governance What are the powers of the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments? How does the relationship between national and local government work? Is devolved power a good idea? What is the European Parliament? Where does power lie? Please see above logos for all other exam boards to personalise for your course

Government and Politics A Level: Assessment Exam board: How it is assessed? Year 12 People, Politics and Participation (25%) 1hr 30mins written exam Governing modern Britain 1hr 30mins written exam (25%) Year 13 The Politics of the USA The Government of the USA Please see above logos for all other exam boards to personalise for your course

Government and Politics A Level: Requirements Course requirements General College entry requirements plus at least a ‘B’ in either History, Geography or Philosophy and Ethics. GCE Government and Politics What skills are needed? Application skills – ability to apply political theory to practice Evaluative skills – ability to assess a system or process critically Judgement – ability to argue a substantiated point of view Essay writing skills Expectations and workload 3 internal formal assessments completed per academic year 1-2 homework assignments completed per week (essays) High level of independent reading to support classroom learning An intrinsic interest in current affairs

Government and Politics A Level: Further information 2015/6 Course Performance Year 13 History 2015/16: 92% A* - C at A2 Level. Course enrichment: Annual opportunity to visit the Houses of Parliament. 2015/6 Example student destination(s) New course Department contact details Mrs Sarah Fox sfox@toothillschool.co.uk

Politics at Toot Hill College Visit by then MP Patrick Mercer and successor Robert Jenrick.

Politics at Toot Hill College Visit by Baroness Tina Stowell of Beeston, now leader of the House of Lords.

2015 and 2016 Parliament Trips

Politics at Toot Hill College Visit by Baroness Byford of Rothley.

Politics at Toot Hill College Visit by local councillor George Davidson from Bingham Town Council.

Politics at Toot Hill College MP Kenneth Clarke speaks at Toot Hill Achievement Evening.

Politics at Toot Hill School Year 10 Politics PHSE day – mock general election in the run-up to last year.

Politics at Toot Hill College 40 College students employed as counting assistants for Rushcliffe constituency during last year’s general election.

Politics at Toot Hill College All College students given opportunity and encouragement to complete questionnaire for Bingham Community Led Plan.