Law A Level
Board: OCR
Syllabus: H418
About the subject
A-Level Law is the study of pure law. Students will study the rules, principles and concepts that are created and enforced by public policy, judicial decisions and parliament. The specification has a broad focus. Students study law making, legal system, tort law, criminal law, human rights law and philosophy of law.
The study of A-Level law helps students develop a range of transferable skills: analytical skills, attention to detail, logical thinking, research skills, independent learning, the ability to debate controversial issues and take on board alternative points of view and to create a balanced argument.
A-Level Law is an extremely demanding and highly academic subject. It involves the study and understanding of legal text and the ability to retain vast amounts of information. As such the course is best suited to students who are good critical thinkers and have strong analytical skills in order to deconstruct and evaluate complex law.
It is essential that students have strong communication skills (both verbal and written), in order to articulate ideas and thoughts in a clear and effective manner.
Students who study law will have excellent study habits, self-discipline and can learn independently. Successful law students are those that take a pro-active approach to their learning and are sufficiently resilient to manage the demands imposed by the rigour of A-Level Law.
Learning styles
Learning takes place via a range of methods including note taking and discussion. Emphasis is also placed on I.T as the Law department has its own well-resourced SharePoint site with links to useful websites. All assessments are in written form and in timed conditions. Law students will be expected to carry out a minimum of 6 hours independent study per week.
Subject Combinations and Progression
Law has strong links to other subjects including Politics, History, Philosophy. The study of A-Level English Literature will support the analytical skills for essay writing as required in A level law.
A Level law is well-respected due to its demands and is not only for students who want to enter the legal professions. Students can continue their legal studies opting for a university degree or a work-based apprenticeship. Both of these routes can lead to qualifications required to become a solicitor, barrister or legal executive. Other popular careers include the police, teaching, social work, business and accounting.
Subject Modules and Assessment
A Level Law is a two-year linear course assessed by 100% written examinations consisting of a mixture of essay questions and scenario questions.
Unit 01 The legal system and criminal law (33.3% of A level) 2hr exam
Unit 02 Law making and the law of tort (33.3% of A level) 2hr exam
Unit 03 The nature of law and human rights (33.3% of A level) 2 hr exam
Minimum Subject Entry
Both Grade 5 or above in GCSE English language and Grade 5 or above in GCSE English literature