Seeking to develop independent enquirers
| Teacher of Law | Mr J Petts |
We offer students the opportunity to study A'Level Law in Years 12 and 13. Further details about the A'Level course are available on the Sixth Form website.
Vision
Law is a subject of both practical relevance and academic rigour. Almost two thirds of the course is based on 3 substantive areas of law- crime, tort and contract- and students gain an understanding of the fundamental principles that underpin these areas of law, as well as the skills to be able to find a legal solution to problem scenarios. By doing so, skills that allow recall of knowledge to enable realistic analysis and evaluation of the law are honed. Students also gain an understanding of the machinery of law-making and justice within the UK, while also considering the philosophies that underpin the nature of law. In doing so, the course allows them to appreciate the rule of law and its application across society, whilst understanding how legal decisions are both made and can be changed.
Law Learning Journey
This is a visual representation of how students' knowledge and skills develop through the Law curriculum.
(click on the image below to view a larger version)
Why study Law?
The course is intended to provide an appropriate foundation for further study of law or related subjects in higher education and various vocational courses. It aims to develop an understanding of legal method and reasoning, develop logical thinking and analytical skills and develop the ability to communicate legal arguments and conclusions with reference to appropriate legal authority. It will also provide students with a very solid understanding of the legal system in this country and the way in which it affects our lives.
Course details - the following topic areas will be covered:
The Nature of law
Students will study of the distinction between enforceable legal rules and principles and other rules and norms of behaviour; criminal and civil law and the different sources of law (including custom, statutory law and the common law). Elements of jurisprudence will be studied including the relationship between law and morals and issues of justice.
The English and Welsh legal system
This will include the study of Parliamentary law making, delegated legislation, statutory interpretation and judicial precedent. The legal system, including court and tribunal structures and legal personnel, will also be explored.
Private Law
Students will study of the law of tort (which will include negligence, occupiers’ liability and nuisance) and the law of contract.
Public Law
Students will study criminal law which will look at general elements of criminal liability and specific criminal offences, including both fatal and non-fatal offences against the person (including murder, manslaughter, assault and battery) and property offences (including theft and robbery), as well as criminal attempts. The defences of self-defence, duress and intoxication will be studied.
Throughout the course, students’ legal skills will be assessed which will require the ability to apply legal knowledge to factual scenarios in order to reach legally valid conclusions, analysis, application and evaluation of legislation and case law and constructing clear, concise and logical legal arguments which are substantiated by legal authority, using appropriate legal terminology.
How the course is taught and assessed - Lessons will be taught using a variety of styles. Group work, debate and role play are used, along with more traditional teaching methods. Significant online resources are used in teaching and students need to access and use these regularly. Visits to courts and from legal practitioners enhance students’ understanding. We enter a team into the Citizenship Foundation’s Bar Mock Trial Competition each year.
Each of the three modules is assessed by written examination which will include multiple choice questions, legal problem-solving and some extended writing.