A/AS Law

A/AS Law

What is Law?
Law is about the rules and principles that govern the way we all live together. The AS course looks at the way these rules are made and how they change over time. It also investigates the court system and the people who work in it. The other part introduces you to some basic criminal and civil law, in particular the law on assaults and negligence.

The A2 course develops the study on the criminal law, in particular investigating murder, manslaughter, theft and fraud. It also draws the themes of the whole course together and links the rules of law to philosophies of fault, morality and justice. The course looks at the effect of law on people and the way in which we can influence its development.

Is Law suitable for me?
Students tell us Law is great because it is a very relevant subject; it is about what is happening in the world around you now. You need to read newspapers and watch current affairs programmes so that you too are up to date. Because law is current it affects everything we do and studying law will be useful to whatever you decide to study in the future. It is always interesting and will always be valuable.

BUT the study of law is difficult. You need to read a great deal and as the course is completely exam-based you are asked to prepare many written assignments to practise a variety of writing skills. You need to learn many cases which are relevant to your studies and used to support your essays. Students say steady learning throughout the year is a real advantage.

Students particularly enjoy the emphasis on criminal law in the second year- and all students enjoy the opportunity to link classroom studies with topical issues, such as euthanasia.

How will I learn?
You will find that you are taught in a wide variety of ways in the classroom. Law is all about learning and we know that people learn in many different ways and so try and present the knowledge you need using different styles and techniques.

You will find that formal lecture and note-taking lessons are broken up with discussions, problem solving and DVDs. Visits to courts and talks from law professionals will help your understanding. You will also be asked to undertake individual research, make much use of the computer facilities and to be prepared to take part in mock trials. We feel strongly that enjoyment is the key to effective learning, so although our study is taken very seriously we hope you will find it fun too. You will be expected to do about 5 hours private study each week, including reading a quality newspaper daily.

How will I be assessed?
Coursework: Year 1 - 0% - Year 2- 0%

Law is assessed by examination only. There are two exams for AS, comprising short essay answers or answering questions on legal problems using the law you have been taught.

At A level there are also two exams. Both of them comprise legal problems whilst the second also requires you to write a long essay on general legal issues using law from any part of the two year course.

Progression
An A level in Law is a sound academic qualification for whatever you choose to do. Students have gone on to university to study law and said how useful they found their A level studies, but also study theology, politics, zoology, business studies, languages and countless other courses. After a Law degree most students intend to become solicitors or barristers but some plan careers in legal journalism or the civil service. Other students have moved on to careers in banking or business and several have joined the Police. Law is a subject that you will find yourself referring back to frequently, whatever you decide to do after Alton.

Course costs
All students will be expected to provide their own textbook and stationery, computer discs ormemory sticks and calculators (where appropriate). Any further costs are outlined below:

Essential: £35 for textbooks and a further £20 on materials, trips etc

Optional: There are trips to courts and conferences, which although optional are highly beneficial to your study, but we keep the costs to a minimum. You would be expected to pay for these trips yourself.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: AQA 2160