AS / A2 World Development

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
World Development provides increased awareness of the wider world. During the course you will have the opportunity to explore contemporary issues and formulate your own opinions. Both the AS and A2 courses are widely accepted by Universities and frequently complement students’ career aspirations.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
There are two key topics:-
Sustainable Development - How can the needs of today’s population be met without putting at risk future generations?
Poverty and Inequality - The study of the characteristics, causes and solutions to poverty and discrimination in both the UK and globally.
Throughout the course examples from both the UK and the wider world will be used. The largest slum in Africa, Kibera in Nairobi, may be contrasted with the homeless of London. Recycling in Warrington, Windfarms along the North Wales Coast, Game Parks in Africa or China’s One Child Policy will be evaluated as forms of sustainable development.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Coursework makes up 30% of your AS and A2 award. At AS your coursework involves analysing three media articles based on sustainable development and one short research essay on poverty and discrimination. There is just one written examination that is two hours long which is a mix of short questions and case studies.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATUIONS DO I NEED?
An interest in and an awareness of the World around you is an obvious starting point. In addition, the breadth of knowledge gained from your other subjects and your own experiences or travel will be an invaluable source of information to support the core study topics. With this underpinning background you will, through class discussions, presentations and research, develop your own justified opinions on contemporary issues. Students will, however, find that confidence in the use of English a great advantage.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
World Development provides students with an excellent background to working with aid organisations and charities. Students studying Politics, Sociology, Geography or International Relations have also found great benefits from the specific course content. However the majority of students have used the wider understanding of the World and its issues as great support in interviews and University applications.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Many students use the extensive opportunities of international visits available at Priestley to widen their experiences and awareness of other cultures and development.