AS / A2 General Studies

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
If you have a curiosity about the world we live in and are willing to take part in arguments and discussions, then General Studies may be the course for you. You will be looking at issues that face society today, and explore arguments so that you can independently develop your own opinions. It also gives an overview of areas outside your other subjects, and links between different disciplines. You will be able to gain an extra AS/A2 qualification in addition to your core subjects.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The AS course is divided into 5 main areas: Science and Technology; Society and Politics; Arts and Media; Business and Industry; and Beliefs and Values. Each unit explores these topic through a specific theme.
For AS the 2 themes are:
Conflict (looking at issues such as Human Aggression, Disaffection in Young People, Bias in the Media, Competitive Markets and Prejudice.)
Space (looking at issues such as Space Exploration, Migration, Art and Public Space, Use of Land and Green Values.)

For A2 the 2 themes are:
Power (looking at issues such as Medicine and Health, Law Enforcement, Media and Public Opinion, the Impact of Advertising and Attitudes Towards Authority.)
Change (Progress in Science and Technology, Political Reform, Judging Art, Trends in Consumerism and Changing Religious Belief.)

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
All four units are assessed by written exams
Unit 1 Three essay based questions out of a choice of five.
Unit 2 Three questions, based on data, images and texts – a mixture of longer and shorter responses.
Unit 3 Three questions, based on four texts of different kinds – one essay and two
shorter responses.
Unit 4 Two essay questions from a choice of three, based on different texts.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
You do not need any previous experience of General Studies. However an interest in issues outside the academic curriculum is beneficial. You should be willing to join in discussions and explore arguments in written essays. There will be some topics that will require independent research.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
Students have benefited from discussing issues around a wide variety of topics and used the knowledge gained in interviews for employment and to support University applications.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
The enrichment activities across College provide opportunities for further development of knowledge and skills that will be beneficial in exams.