Law A-level

Get an insight into the structure and working of the English legal system - the courts, the people who work in the system and the sources of law today - with A-level Law.

Many students study law because it provides links to a possible career path and offers a real intellectual challenge. Studying law develops analytical skills and critical thinking, develops problem-solving skills through the application of legal rules, amd makes you aware of rights in society.

The AS Law course (AQA) comprises two modules.

The first module provides an introduction to the English legal system, covering the basic principles of law making and dispute solving. It supplies a context for later study in the areas of substantive law. Topics studied are:
- parliamentary law making
- delegated legislation
- statutory interpretation
- judicial precedent
- the civil courts and other forms of dispute resolution
- the criminal courts and the role of lay people (juries and magistrates)
- the legal profession and other sources of advice and funding
- the judiciary

The second module introduces substantive law and requires simple application of criminal and civil law (tort or contract law).

The A2 specification develops the knowledge and skills required at AS level. The third module involves the in-depth study of criminal law (offences against the person) OR contract law.

Similarly, in the fourth and final module, there is a choice between criminal law (offences against property) and tort law (e.g. the tort of negligence). Additionally, within this module, there is a synoptic element which involves the study of certain concepts of law, such as fault, conflicting interests, morality and justice.

You learn in a variety of ways, typically through discussion, group work, independent study, traditional essays, reading and research tasks. There will be a balance of challenge and support. You will play an active part in your learning and there will be a strong focus on your individual learning needs.

Classes take place over four days a week between 9am and 5pm. We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of individual subjects. There are many enrichment opportunities, which will enable you to extend your learning beyond the bounds of your chosen subjects.

Formal assessment is through examinations. The examinations take place in May/June. There will be a range of regular assignments, essays and class based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step. Individual learning targets are set each term and you will receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets

You acquire a range of relevant skills including decision making, problem solving, challenging assumptions and quantifying and managing information.

You gain the skills necessary for further academic study - such as strong report writing - and study skills, including presentation skills. You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment including self-confidence, speaking in front of others, working with others, taking responsibility and managing your time.

By the end of the course you will have benefited from individual support including advice about higher education and careers.

Applicants for A-level Law will normally have:
- at least 6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and maths

With three A-levels you can progress to higher education to study a variety of different subjects at degree level. A-level Law develops analytical skills and critical thinking, and these are skills which are highly transferable to other subjects at university. It also develops problem-solving skills through the application of legal rules.