Course Overview

Law is the system of rules that a particular country or community recognises as regulating the actions of its members and may enforce by the imposition of penalties. Law affects virtually all aspects of our lives and regulates much of our everyday activities.

Studying law provides students’ with an understanding of the role of Law in current society and raises awareness of the rights and responsibilities of individuals. By learning about legal rules and how they apply to real life, students also develop their: analytical ability, decision making, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In short, the study of Law provides students’ with skills highly thought after by higher education and employers alike.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be through external examination only. At the end of year 13 there will be three external exams:

•       Paper One: Criminal Law (75%) and English Legal System (25%)
•       Paper Two: Tort Law (75%) and English Legal System (25%)
•       Paper Three: Contract Law (75%) and English Legal System (25%)

What will I learn?

In year 12, students will spend the first two terms (until Easter) focusing on Paper One. This focuses on Criminal Law and includes, but is not limited to, study of the law on:

•       Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person – Assault, Battery, ABH and GBH
•       Fatal Offences – Murder, Manslaughter
•       Property Offences – Theft and Robbery, and
•       Defences – Self-Defence, Intoxication, Duress, Insanity

In the third term of Year 12 and first term of Year 13 (until Christmas) students will study the content required for Paper Two which focuses on tort law (a form of civil law). Here, students will study the Law surrounding things such as:

•       Negligence
•       Occupiers’ Liability (for visitors and trespassers), and
•       Private Nuisance

In the second term of Year 13 students will continue to develop their knowledge of the civil law through the study of contract law. This is relevant for the third paper and focuses on the concept of enforceable agreements between parties.

Extra-curricular activities

There are two main trips that will run annually for students. This includes a study visit to the Houses of Parliament and the Old Bailey in London, aswell as a trip to Birmingham Magistrates’ and Crown Court. These trips provide students with an opportunity to develop a better understanding of how the law is used and applied in practice.

Entry requirements

A minimum of grade 5 in GCSE English is required to study A-Level Law. Students’ other examination results must also demonstrate their academic aptitude and ability to write extended essays.

Education progression opportunities

An A-Level in Law can lead to a wide range of university courses. As well as Law itself it would be beneficial for subjects such as: Business, Government and Politics, Criminology, or another Social Science. It can also be combined with other disciplines i.e. Media or Psychology.

Career progression opportunities

A-Level Law is an acceptable qualification for entry to higher education. Thereafter, it is possible to progress onto vocational courses with a view to entering the legal profession. Employment opportunities are numerous, including:

•       Court officials
•       Civil service
•       Local government
•       Police force
•       Environmental
•       Banking
•       Business
•       Accountancy
•       Legal Executive
•       Barrister
•       Solicitor

 A-Level Law Curriculum Map