Humanities

Government and Politics A Level (Humanities Faculty)

Course Summary

A Level Politics enables students to develop their critical thinking skills and enhances their ability to interpret, evaluate and comment on the nature of politics.  Students acquire knowledge of the structures of authority and power within the political systems of the United Kingdom and are encouraged to think and debate more widely about how other political systems may differ.  They gain a genuine understanding of the world around them – at a time when young people have never been more interested in global politics. Written and oral skills will be strengthened ahead of university or the workplace as students develop the ability to put forward arguments and analyse differing points of view. Each unit is assessed through a written examination of 2 hours duration.

Year 1: British Politics Topics: The British Constitution · Parliament · Prime Minister and Cabinet · The Judiciary · Devolution · Democracy and Participation · Elections and Referendums · Political Parties · Pressure Groups · The EU                                                      

Year 2: USA Politics Topics: The Constitutional Framework · Legislative Branch – Congress · Executive Branch -President  · Judicial Branch – The Supreme Court · US Electoral Process and Direct Democracy · Political Parties ·  Pressure Groups · Civil Rights ·

Liberalism · Conservatism · Socialism · Ecologism

Where might it lead

A Level Politics provides the opportunity for learners to progress to Higher Education or directly to employment. Specific areas Politics lends itself to are journalism, media, teaching, the legal profession or even starting on the path to a career in Politics and becoming a future Prime Minister!

Student perspective

A Level Politics is a really enjoyable subject which has helped me to understand how politics shapes the country and how it works both in Britain and the USA.  It has extended and developed my debating skills and the support I received with essay writing and exam technique was absolutely fantastic”.

Rosie Benny, graduated 2017 with an A in Politics

Entrance Criteria

In addition to a minimum of 5 GCSE’s inc Maths and English at grade 5 or above

Grade 6 in a GCSE Humanity subject.

Assessment Criteria

A Level Politics

UNIT 1 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF THE UK  2 hrs written paper                                                                                                                          

UNIT 2  GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF THE USA AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS  2hrs written paper                                                                                    

UNIT 3 POLITICAL IDEAS  2hrs written paper                                                                                                                        

Each of the three units represents 33⅓% of the total A-level.

Exam Board

AQA

Contact details

Mrs Sarah Kirkham – skm@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Teacher in charge of Politics

History is the study of the key eras, events and individuals of the past.

At Knutsford Academy we aim to build historical journeys, develop a deep understanding of the significance of the past, how it has shaped the present and the broad range of skills that can prepare students for the future.

Course Summary

We study the AQA specification

• Tudor England 1485-1603
• Democracy and Nazism: Germany 1918-1945
• NEA: Britain & Ireland 1893-1998

Assessment Criteria

This qualification is assessed via external exams and NEA at the end of Year 13:

• Paper 1 – Tudor England 1485-1603
• Paper 2 – Germany 1918-1945

NEA: Completion of 4,500 word essay

Enrichment

• After-school ‘drop in’ sessions for support with the completion of the NEA and exam preparation
• Overseas Study visits

Careers

Law, journalism, teaching, archaeology, marketing, business, museum & library services.

Many History graduates also leverage their transferable skills (research, data analysis, critical thinking and communication) to succeed in a wide range of other fields, including law, finance, hyuman resources and the media.

Contact 

Mr Paul Scott – pst@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of History

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Religious Studies aims to promote religious understanding, its role in our culture and appreciation of people from all backgrounds. Religious Studies helps pupils meet the circumstances of living in modern society and become good citizens. It promotes a tolerant understanding of religions, including both those that are locally represented and those which have been formative in the lives of people in the history of the world. Pupils will be challenged with questions about belief, values, meaning, purpose, and truth, enabling them to develop their own attitudes towards religious issues. 

Course Summary

We study the Eduqas A Level Religious Studies specification. 

Component 1: Christianity 

• Religious figures & sacred texts 

• Religious concepts 

• Religious life 

• Religious practices that shape religious identity 

Component 2: Philosophy 

• Arguments for the existence of God- inductive 

• Arguments for the existence of God- deductive 

• Challenges to religious belief- the problem of evil and suffering 

• Religious experience & Religious language 

Component 3: Ethics 

• Ethical thought 

• Natural Law 

• Situation Ethics & Utilitarianism 

• Free Will & Determinism 

Assessment 

This qualification is assessed via 3 external exams at the end of Year 13. 

• Paper 1-Christianity 2 hours 

• Paper 2- Philosophy 2 hours 

• Paper 3- Ethics 2 hours 

Enrichment

• Opportunity for external conferences when they are in the area. 
• CND workshops. 

Careers

Studying religious studies can lead to a variety of career paths, including roles in education, social work, journalism, and more.   

• Childcare 

• Missionary 

• Lawyer/ Solicitor 

• Policy Advisor 

• Bio- Ethicist 

• Journalist 

• Teaching 

• Policing 

• Counselling

Contact 

Miss L Appleton – lan@knutsfordacademy.org.uk Head of Religious Studies

KS5 Humanities Curriculum Maps