1. 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.

2. 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

3. Unit 1: People, Politics and Participation
Participation and Voting Behaviour
Electoral Systems
Political Parties
Pressure Groups and Protest Movements
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4. 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

5. Unit 2: Governing Modern Britain
The British Constitution
Parliament
The Core Executive
Multi-Level Governance
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6. 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?
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7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

12. 2015 and 2016 Parliament Trips

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

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

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

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

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

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