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| Higher |  |
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| AS Level | |
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| A Level | |
Politics is studied in the Sevenths as a one-year course. It involves a detailed study of the workings of the constitution and the ways in which government operates in theory. It also looks at the many problems that arise in practice and the numerous suggestions for improving our public life. Pupils may opt to sit only AS.
Entry Requirements
There is considerable overlap with Modern Studies. Candidates who have not done Modern Studies need to be aware that there will be extra work required. Those who bring a genuine general knowledge of current UK and US Politics to lessons will be at a considerable advantage.
Progression
There are a range of university courses for which this is relevant preparation, including Politics and International Relations. The skills of synthesis, analysis and of essay-writing will be valuable in all Arts, Humanities and Social Science courses.
AS Level (2 units)
AS-Level Unit exams consist of short essays, designed to develop the basics of structure, relevance and the use of evidence.
1. The Politics of the United Kingdom:
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2. The Government of the United Kingdom:
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AS Level (2 units)The A-Level Unit papers require 45 minute essays of increasing breadth, depth and sophistication. |
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3. US Government and Politics:
Candidates have to know as much about US politics as they learned for both the UK AS-Level Units. |
4. A comparative study of political and governmental institutions in the UK and the US:
The ability to refer to political systems apart from the USA and the UK is encouraged. |
Politics Trip to LondonArriving at Victoria Station in the early hours of Tuesday 16th, after what seemed an endless journey on the Mega Bus, to stretch out our legs we had a pleasant stroll in St James Park. Whilst eating our breakfast at “Inn the Park” we met Dan Abernethy who did research for Ed Vaizey (MP for Wantage and Didcot) for three years and kindly shared some of his experiences with us, giving us a chance to ask questions. We luckily had the chance to get an extensive tour of Marlborough House (the headquarters of the Commonwealth); here we found out about how the Commonwealth operates and had time to talk to the media specialists which was a highlight for many of the students’ trip. Following this, we started our rigorous teaching session in Portcullis House from the Parliamentary Education Department, where we divided into parties and debated issues such as NHS spending and the increase in obesity in the UK. The group then had an extensive tour of the Parliament including the House of Commons, Lords, Palace and Chapel, where we learnt about the historic background of The Houses of Parliament. Dominic Grieve QC (Shadow Home Secretary and MP for Beaconsfield) kindly took us for coffee and gave us an insight into his busy schedule; we also got given the chance to ask our own questions. Our A-Level Politics class also did a walking tour of Whitehall, Embankment and Westminster, Globe Theatre, Christopher Wren’s St Paul’s, and had time in the Portrait Gallery where there were many historic and modern MPs framed. After seeing the lights of Piccadilly Circus we were all at the peak of tiredness and rather sullenly returned to the Megabus for yet another long and uncomfortable journey. Arriving back at the Bus station at 8.20am after a few hours of restless sleep we made it just in time for school on Wednesday morning for hymn practice. Anna Robertson 7GHH |
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This deals with parties, pressure groups, elections and voting behaviour
This deals with the constitution, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and the European Union.
This is a demanding paper. 
For this paper wideThis page is: Edinburgh Academy / curriculum / history / politics.htm
