Since assessment is based on written papers, containing structured questions and essays, an ability to write clearly in well structured essays is desirable. The course will appeal to pupils who are interested in following current affairs through reading a variety of newspapers and journals.
The A level course focuses on the government and politics of the United Kingdom and the United States as well as the basic structures of the European Union and its impact on Britain. The following aspects of the countries will be studied: elections, electoral systems, voting behaviour, representation, participation, citizenship, federalism and devolution, constitutions and the institutions of government. This course will cover both the United Kingdom and the United States from the beginning of the first year.
Over the two year course, as far as is possible, topics will be studied to coincide with the political cycles of the United Kingdom and the United States. This feature of the course together with opportunities to listen to visiting speakers at Charterhouse and to visit the seats of government in London and Washington DC help to bring the subject matter to life and to make it a truly contemporary study of the subject.
Assessment is through four examination papers covering the topics listed above and including one comparative paper.
The course in Government and Politics combines with all subjects offered at Charterhouse. Popular combinations in the past have included Economics, History, English and Languages.
Government and Politics is regarded as a good academic subject with pupils going on to pursue a wide range of courses at university, particularly social sciences, History or Law. Although it might be considered good preparation it is not an essential subject for those wishing to take Politics in Higher Education, since all university courses assume no previous tuition in Politics.
J.J. Knight