SJL Sixth Form Prospectus 2024 (3) - Flipbook - Page 71
69
Sir John Lawes School
Politics
Board: AQA (7152)
INTRODUCTION
This course offers exciting opportunities for lively debate and demands clear thinking and analysis. The
course aims
To provide students with knowledge of the processes and practices of Government in the UK and put
it into context by comparison with the Government of the USA.
To explain the roles of the Prime Minister, Cabinet and Parliament and allow students to understand
the way that law-making is carried out.
To root current political ideas within a tradition of ideological debate.
To develop students’ skills of argument and explanation in areas where debate and communication
are important.
All students will be asked to keep their own political record of the year. It will be expected that they keep up
to date with current affairs and take an interest in news items relevant to the course.
Who is this course suited to?
Students with a keen interest in current affairs thrive on this course, along with those who are independentminded and prepared, within reason, to argue their point in debate. Above all, this course is well-suited to
independent learners because it is uniquely dependent on having a knowledge of events as they unfold,
meaning that to some extent, the content of what will be relevant has not happened at the start of the
course. A background in essay-writing is a benefit but not a prerequisite to do well.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
A minimum of five full GCSEs or equivalent at grades 9–5, which would include English (Language
or Literature) and Mathematics, with three of the passes at grade 6 or above in History or English
Literature and in two further subjects.
COURSE CONTENT
Paper 1 – UK Government and Politics
This module studies how elections are held, and alternatives to the UK system. It evaluates the role and
impact of political parties and pressure groups.
It examines the UK constitution and Parliament, studying how laws are made and implemented. We study
government at different levels, including local government and the impact of leaving the EU.
This module looks in depth at the role and function of the Prime Minister, cabinet and Civil Service.
