The CCEA GCSE Government and Politics specification focuses on democracy and international politics. Students develop their understanding of the political world.

This qualification builds on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Environment and Society, and Learning for Life and Work Areas of Learning.

Students consider different political parties’ policies, citizens’ rights and responsibilities, and the role of the media. They also explore organisations that operate globally and their responses to issues such as conflict resolution and migration.

They gain insight into the political process and how government decisions affect us.

Students develop skills useful in any context, from analysing data and problem-solving to taking part in debates and justifying their views.

Students who gain this qualification may be interested in careers in government, law, business, finance, research, journalism, the media, the charity sector, political research, political campaigning or public service. They may also progress to our GCE in Government and Politics.

This specification is unitised, so it’s possible to take part of the assessment at the end of the first year of study.

The specification has two units:

• Unit 1: Democracy in Action
• Unit 2: International Politics in Action.