AS
The AS politics course gives students an insight into the way in which politics works in the UK today – looking at democracy, political parties, pressure groups, elections, parliament, the constitution, the Prime Minister and the role of judges. By using numbered handouts as a basis for all note-taking, which, incidentally our students find very easy to revise from, we can spend the bulk of time in lessons discussing and debating issues and ideas. Most students like this style of teaching as it allows them to express their own opinion – always a hit with Cranleighians! Students take two examinations with a variety of short-answer, extended writing, essay and source-based questions.
A2
Currently we teach the ideologies course at A2, although this is currently under review and may change as the new specification comes into force. Very much like AS, the emphasis is on discussion and debate backed up by numbered handouts. However, this course requires students to get to grips with complex but exciting concepts and ideas. Exam essays are the main way of assessment and students need to develop the techniques of analysis and evaluation of arguments to do well. We currently look at socialism, liberalism, conservatism, feminism, anarchism, multiculturalism, environmentalism and nationalism.