Government and Politics
Examination board: Edexcel
Linear or modular: Modular
Specification codes: 8GP01 and 9GP01
Subject content:
THE EDEXCEL COURSE CONSISTS OF FOUR EXAM MODULES:
Unit 1 - People and Politics (25%)
 The role of the people in making political decisions.
 Voting, parties, political ideas, pressure groups in Britain.
Unit 2 - Governing the UK (25%)
 Who has power in the UK?
 The role of Parliament, Prime Minister, Government and the Judiciary, and rights and responsibilities.
Unit 3D – Structures of Global Politics (25%) SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Global power structures, globalisation and transnational corporations, and the changing world since
1989.
 Institutions such as NATO, the IMF, WTO, G8, EU and the World Bank, and how they affect global
governance.
Unit 4D – Global Political Ideas (25%)
 Conflict, war and terrorism, including 9/11, the war on terror and other global conflicts.
 Global poverty, the global environmental crisis, and human rights and international law in different
cultures.
PROFILE OF A POLITICS STUDENT
 I have opinions and enjoy exploring them in discussions and debates.

I am really interested in researching and keeping up-to-date with the news and already take an interest in
politics.

I want to know more about current world affairs, about who runs this country and what people can do to
influence and change governments.

I am able to critically analyse information to reach judgements, independently research topics using a wide
range of sources of information, and write well-structured essays that reflect current affairs and theories in
politics.
You will be expected to work independently to increase your knowledge of the course and current affairs,
explore your ideas in lessons through verbal debates and discussions, have a high level of attendance and
punctuality, and meet all assessment and home learning deadlines.
If you can identify with this profile, then this course is designed for you.
Entry requirements – you must achieve a B grade in GCSE English or History to take Government and Politics.
WHY SHOULD I STUDY GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS?
This course will off you:

A development of skills in communication and critical thinking which will be relevant to all degree courses,
including Law, Politics and History, and international relations.

A better understanding of our political system and of the international political scene which will help me to
make more sense of the world, now and in the future, whatever my future studies or career.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A QUALIFICATION IN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS?
Studying Government and Politics will provide you with the knowledge and skills to enter a wide variety of career
opportunities, such as:

Politics; Law; Journalism; International Relations; Business; History; Management; Creative Writing;
International Diplomacy; Public Relations; Media; Researching; and many more.
OTHER COURSE OPPORTUNITIES
As an integral part of the AS course, you will go on a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament in September,
meet with a local MP, and attend a revision conference on British Politics. You will also have the opportunity to
take part in other related activities, like the Bar National Mock Trial Competition in November and attend a
Global Politics conference at the LSE in July.
For more information please contact Mr Stallwood, Mrs Collins or Mr Byrne.