This course is ideal for learners who are interested in current affairs, the democratic political systems of the UK & the USA, and how each democratic political system makes decisions, policies & laws. As part of this course, the student will discuss a wide range of political issues that affect the UK & the USA. The course requires an in-depth study in Year 1 of the workings of the British democratic political system, the study of 4 ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism & nationalism) & an in-depth study of the workings of the democratic political system in the USA in Year 2 along with comparative analysis of both U.S. & U.K. democratic political institutions. You could complement your studies with our extended opportunities program, including work experience or our Debating Society. As part of our Virtual Work Experience Hub that started in September 2020, we have had a range of exciting guest speakers including a visit from the Director of the Northern Powerhouse, Henri Murrison, a live Google Meet with Professor Lichtman from the American University in Washington DC who explained his book on the '13 keys to the White House and visits from Holly Mumby-Croft; our local MP & Nic Dakin, the Labour candidate for the 2024 General election. WHO IS THIS AIMED AT? This course is aimed at students who: ● Have an interest in the government, politics, and current affairs ● Have an interest in using up-to-date information from news sources ● Would like to learn a new subject ● Would like to study Politics at university or further themselves in this field in employment WHAT WILL YOU LEARN? ● UK Politics: Democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behavior, and the media will all be explored alongside core political ideas (liberalism, conservatism & socialism). ● UK Government: The constitution, parliament, Prime Minister, and relationships between the 3 branches of the UK constitution will be studied in this unit alongside the non-core ideology, nationalism. ● Comparative Politics, USA: The US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme court, civil rights, democracy and participation & comparative theories. WHAT SKILLS WILL YOU DEVELOP? ● Analysis ● Evaluation ● Communication ● Exam technique ● Technical Language ● Self Confidence ● Practice ● Time Management ● Creativity and Problem Solving ● Oracy ● Focus ● Responsibility ● Attitude