Course information
Government and Politics
Queen Elizabeth's Hospital - Bristol, City of
01179303040
Berkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX
Course summary

If you’re interested in current affairs, and how power is allocated and used in the 21st century, you should seriously consider this subject. British and American politics have entered an unprecedented phase of volatility. We’re living in an era of huge change, with insurgent parties forcing issues of national identity and sovereignty to the top of the agenda. Studying Government & Politics will help you see these events in context and judge their significance. The course aims to give you a deep knowledge of British and American politics and an understanding of the big debates involved on both sides of the Atlantic. You’ll study each country’s constitution, the relationship between executive and legislature, the pros and cons of different electoral systems, why people vote in the way they do and the rising impact of pressure groups. You’ll learn through a weekly diet of discussion, debate and written analysis. Plus, you will visit Parliament, hear from visiting political players, and follow high-quality political media. Throughout the course, we will consider the health of our democracy, asking ourselves if it’s as robust as we think. Politics is an ideal accompaniment to History and other social sciences. It’s also an excellent foundation for a career in the media, government, civil service, international organisations and yes, you guessed it, politics! It’s a rigorous qualification that will help you understand how the UK is run and will develop your research, written communication and debating skills. Ultimately, it shows potential employers you have a solid awareness of the contemporary world and the confidence to analyse and operate within it.

Entry requirements

If you're an existing student, entry to the Sixth Form is conditional on you achieving a minimum of six GCSEs at grade 6. You don't have to complete an application form. Grade 6 is a humanities subject together with general entry requirements.

How you'll be assessed

You’ll take three exams at the end of Year 13. The key skill is the ability to construct a well-informed argument – in other words, write a good essay!

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth West
Local AuthorityBristol, City of
Ofsted Rating
Gender TypeCo-Educational
ISI ReportView Report
Boarding FeeUnknown
Sixth Form Fee£17,085
AddressBerkeley Place, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1JX